Auckland Aces vs Otago Volts, Super Smash 2019-20, Today Match Prediction 19 Dec 2019

auc vs ov Match Prediction & Analysis

One of the stronger sides in the contest so far with two wins in as many matches, Otago Volts would be facing off an equally competent Auckland Aces in the 7th match of the ongoing Super Smash 2019-20. 

Otago Volts, led by Jacob Duffy, are one of the hot favorites for this year's title and with swashbuckling performances across batting and bowling departments, it shouldn't come as a surprise if they manage to thwart the rivals from scoring a win at Dunedin.

 Auckland Aces were unfortunate in the previous outing as the match was declared as a no-result in the middle. However, they gave a glimpse of the destructing laying potency versus Otago Volts in the 2nd match of Super Smash 2019-20 wherein they managed to score 197 runs in response to Otago's 211, courtesy the knocks from Martin Guptill (46) and Glenn Phillips (106*). 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Auckland Aces Preview

Batting wise, the opening duo of Martin Guptill and Colin Munro would hold carry the responsibility of scoring the bulk of runs for Auckland aces at their home conditions. Munro didn't enjoy a decent inning in the previous match against Otago Volts and would be wishful of a scintillating exhibition at University Oval. Wicket-keeper Glenn Phillips (106*) was among the primary reasons behind Auckland coming so close to the target of 211 set by Otago last time around.

Along with Phillips, skipper Craig Cachopa and hard-hitting all-rounder Corey Anderson will be the vital cogs in the middle-order. In spite of solid batting order, Auckland Aces haven't been able to grab wickets early in the contest which has been a bit of a disadvantage so far. Kyle Jamieson and William Somerville were bashed in the earlier match against Otago, along with spinner Ronnie Heera and it is about time the trio returns to their wicket-taking spree. Left-armer Mitchell McClenaghan has had some successes and will aim to grab a wicket or two at Dunedin.

Auckland Aces Predicted Playing XI:

Craig Cachopa (c), Sean Solia, Glenn Phillips (wk), William Somerville, Mark Chapman, Kyle Jamieson, Corey Anderson, Colin Munro, Ronnie Hira, Mitchell McClenaghan, Martin Guptill

Auckland Aces Actual Playing XI:

Sean Solia, Benjamin Lister, Ronnie Hira, Colin Munro, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell McClenaghan, Martin Guptill, Corey Anderson, Craig Cachopa, William Somerville

Otago Volts Preview

Otago's batting department looks rock-solid to the core with the top and middle-order batsmen contributing a minimum 30+ runs in the concluded duels. The recent outing against Northern Knights witnessed the likes of Nick Kelly (37 off 26 balls) and Neil Broom (32 off 15 balls) setting the platform for the Volts which was then followed by fireworks from Josh Finnie (47 off 18 balls) and Dean Foxcroft (44 off 25 balls), aiding the side in posting in excess of 190 at Hamilton.

In terms of bowling, Nathan Smith (5/14) rendered one of his best T20 performances to date along with assistance from skipper Jacob Duffy (2/35) who seemed to be having a decent run as well. Spinner Michael Rippon was a bit expensive in the previous match and would be hoping to put up economical figures at University Oval.

Otago Volts Predicted Playing XI:

Jacob Duffy (c), Max Chu (wk), Dean Foxcroft, Nathan G Smith, Nick Kelly, Michael Rae, Josh Finnie, Michael Rippon, Anaru Kitchen, Hamish Rutherford, Neil Broom

Otago Volts Actual Playing XI:

Michael Rippon, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly, Nathan Smith, NT Broom, Anaru Kitchen, Michael Rae, Hamish Rutherford, Joshua Finnie, Max chu

Weather Conditions

High chances of rain are being foretold in the second half of the play which could affect the gameplay in the upcoming contest. Although the first half would have a bit cloudy weather with the temperature around 14 degrees Celsius, it is the latter stage which could be a cause of concern.

Venue Details

The wicket at University Oval is usually good for the batters with 160 being the average 1st innings score in the T20s. Taking into account the rain and overcast conditions, any score above 170 would be a par total at this venue.

Toss: To Bat

The toss winning team is likely to bat first on this occasion considering there are strong chances for the rains to washout the second half of the play. The damp conditions might make it difficult for the batters to execute their strokes and thus, it would trouble them profusely in the latter stages in case the game commences.