Canterbury Kings vs Central Stags, Super Smash 2019-20, Today Match Prediction 23 Dec 2019

ck vs cd Match Prediction & Analysis

An in-form Central Stags look to clinch their 3rd win of the season as they take on the Canterbury Kings in a belter of a contest at McClean Park in Napier. Both the teams have earlier been a part of the neck to neck battles in the T20 head to head and will look to draw the first blood in their 1st encounter of the season. Central Stags have been on a roll this season and look pretty confident of making it to the knockouts and subsequently grab hold of the Super Smash 2019-20 title.

Banking on the efforts of George Worker, Tom Bruce, Ajaz Patel, and Seth Rance, the Stags have managed to turn the tides in their favor and with the current form, they wouldn't shy away from thwarting the chances of Kings' victory at Napier.

Meanwhile, Canterbury Kings haven't been able to muster a win in the initial two games and would look to score their first in the upcoming game at Napier. The first match against Wellington was lost out by a margin of 6-wickets which was followed by a no-result versus Auckland. It is about time the Cole McConchie-led side come up with a winning combination that could help them establish a stronghold in the ongoing duels.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Canterbury Kings Preview

Skipper Cole McConchie (237 runs in 10 innings) had a blast last season and will look to enter a similar model from the game at Napier. Chad Bowes (276 runs in 10 innings) had rendered a ripping exhibition in the previous edition and although he hasn't been at the best of form off late, one could back him to come back stronger in the next T20 encounter. Not to forget wicketkeeper Cam Fletcher who averaged 41.50 in Super Smash 2018-19 and aggregated 166 runs in 10 innings, as he could pose a threat if gone berserk.

Openers Jack Boye (25-ball 34) and Chad Bowes (18-ball 26*) looked in a great nick in the rain-abandoned contest versus Auckland and will be banked to take on the opposition at Napier.  Among the bowlers, Cole McConchie (3/18) bagged impressive figures in the match against Wellington. The duo of Ed Nuttall (1/19) and Henry Shipley (0/25) had scalped economical figures as well and with spinner Blake Coburn would aim to turn the odds in the Kings' favor in the upcoming bout. 

Canterbury Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Cole McConchie (c), Blake Coburn, Jack Boyle, Henry Shipley, Will Williams, Stephen Murdoch, Leo Carter, Ed Nuttall, Cam Fletcher (wk), Chad Bowes, Andrew Ellis

Canterbury Kings Actual Playing XI:

Will Williams, Stephen Murdoch, Blake Peter Coburn, Cole McConchie, Ed Nuttall, Chad Bowes, Leo Carter, Andrew Ellis, Jack Boyle, Henry Burton Shipley, Cameron Fletcher

Central Stags Preview

Batting wise, Central Stags have been fortunate so far with skipper Tom Bruce (129 runs in 3 innings), Dane Cleaver (95 runs in 3 innings), and George Worker (79 runs in 3 innings) putting a decent amount of runs on board. Bruce was among the leading run-getters in the previous edition of Super Smash with 353 runs in 11 innings and would look to break his past season's run tally in the coming games this season.

Ajaz Patel (6 wickets in 3 innings) and Kieran Barnett (5 wickets in 3 innings) are currently topping the bowling charts for the Stags in the ongoing T20 season. Right-arm medium Seth Rance has been quite economical so far and with Patel and Barnett would be the would be looking to tear through the rival lineup in the coming contest. 

Central Stags Predicted Playing XI:

Dane Cleaver (wk), Ryan Watson, Willem Ludick, Christian Leopard, Blair Tickner, Josh Clarkson, Ajaz Patel, Tom Bruce (c), George Worker, Seth Rance, Kieran Noema-Barnett

Central Stags Actual Playing XI:

Dane Cleaver, Willem Ludick, Josh Clarkson, Ben Wheeler, Ajaz Patel, George Worker, Christian Leopard, Blair Tickner, Kieran Noema-Barnett, Seth Rance, Tom Bruce

Weather Conditions

Excellent cricketing conditions await both the teams at Napier. The temperature would hover between 16-17 degrees Celsius with zero chances of rain acting as a hindrance to the play. Pacers are in for trouble as the pitch at McClean park has very little to offer. 

Venue Details

A high-scoring contest is set to unravel at McClean Park with the average 1st innings total being 160. With the ball coming onto the ball quite nicely, one could expect scores as high as 170 and above being put to the witness. 

Toss: To Bat

The toss winning captain is likely to bat first on this wicket. Batsmen from both the teams are going to enjoy playing under the clear skies. Taking into account the smaller boundaries and the batter friendly conditions, it shouldn't come as a surprise if 1st innings total winds up close to 170.