Canterbury Kings vs Wellington Firebirds, SS T20 2021, Today Match Prediction 27 January 2022

ck vs wf Match Prediction & Analysis

We are down the knockout stage of the Super Smash 2021-22 as Canterbury Kings take on Wellington Firebirds in the Elimination Final. The winner of this game will meet Northern Knights in the final at Seddon Park on Saturday. Both the teams clashed twice against each other during the league stage and both got one victory each. Going by current form, Canterbury has the edge in this clash but defending champions Wellington can’t be taken lightly.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Canterbury Kings Preview

Wellington Firebirds would have liked to have better winning form as they get ready for the Elimination Final. They are coming off a 2-wicket loss against Northern Knights. After being asked to bat first, Wellington was bowled out for 167 on a good wicket at Basin Reserve. They will, however, take heart from the fact that opener Finn Allen (64 off 28 balls) and captain Michael Bracewell (63 off 38 balls) got important knocks. Bracewell is now the leading run-getter of the season at 397 runs at a shrike rate of 148.68.

Apart from these two, their batting does appear a little weak. They will be hoping that the likes of Devon Conway or Jimmy Neesham get a big score in the knockout match.
Wellington’s bowling is largely dependent on Logan van Beek (10 wickets at an economy of 7.69) and Ben Sears (13 wickets at 8.42). They have two good options in the spin department in Rachin Ravindra and Peter Younghusband. But they might have their task cut out against a solid batting unit like Canterbury’s. 

Canterbury Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Michael Bracewell (c), Tom Blundell (wk), James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband, Ben Sears, Ollie Newton

Canterbury Kings Actual Playing XI:

Matt Henry, Leo Carter, Matthew Hay, Todd Astle, Henry Shipley, Chad Bowes, Cameron Fletcher, Tom Latham, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Ed Nuttall

Wellington Firebirds Preview

Canterbury Kings will be entering the Elimination Final with a solid win under their belt against the Otago Volts. They chased a target of 186 in just 17.1 overs with 8 wickets to spare.  Tom Latham (66 off 35 balls) and Daryl Mitchell (68* off 39 balls) were the main heroes of the chase. The addition of Latham at the top has come at the perfect time for Canterbury and his role will be crucial in this knockout match. Opener Chad Bowes, who is the team’s leading run-getter with 263 runs at a strike rate of 146.11 is another batter to watch out for along with Cam Fletcher (233 runs at 146.54). 

Canterbury’s bowling has plenty of variety. Henry Shipley’s spell of 4-23 off 4 overs in the last game showed why the medium-pacer can be effective even on flat wickets. Then there’s the ever-reliable Ed Nuttall who now has 15 wickets at an economy of 9.14. Matt Henry (12 wickets at 7.68) was expensive in the last game but he’s someone who can hurry the opposition batters with his pace.
 

Wellington Firebirds Predicted Playing XI:

Chad Bowes, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Leo Carter, Cole McConchie (c), Cam Fletcher (wk), Henry Shipley, Matt Henry, Todd Astle, Blake Coburn, Ed Nuttall

Wellington Firebirds Actual Playing XI:

Rachin Ravindra, Finn Allen, Logan van Beek, Nathan Smith, Devon Conway, Hamish Bennett, Peter Younghusband, Michael Bracewell, Ben Sears, Tom Blundell, James Neesham

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at University Oval in Dunedin is one of those typical New Zealand surfaces that remain good for batting throughout the game. Bowlers will need to vary their pace to do well here.

A shower is expected in Dunedin on the morning of the game but the weather should remain clear afterwards.
 

Venue Details

The highest total at University Oval is 223-5 by Central Stags. The average score batting first here is 166. Scores between 170 and 189 have been achieved five times on the venue. The team batting first in this match will be looking to set a target of around 190 runs.

Toss: To Bowl

All the matches played on this venue this season have been won by the team chasing. The captain winning the toss is likely to bat second in this game.