Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings, SS T20 2021, Today Match Prediction 31 December 2021

cd vs ck Match Prediction & Analysis

Central Stags and Canterbury Kings have had similar fortunes in this season of the Super Smash so far. Canterbury has won 3 matches from 5 games at a net run rate of +0.885 and is at 2nd place. The Stags, meanwhile, are in 3rd place with 3 wins and 3 losses in 6 games at +0.050. The two sides had clashed once against each other earlier this season where Canterbury registered a comfortable 47-run win at the Hagley Oval. They will now take each other on again at Pukekura Park on the last day of 2021.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Central Stags Preview

After a thumping 53-run win against Otago Volts, the Central Stags have lost two games in a row - against Auckland Aces by 4 wickets and against Northern Knights by 6 wickets. After batting first on a good wicket, the Stags posted only 145-8 on the board and the opposition chased the target down with 6 wickets and 13 balls to spare. For the Stags, the only notable performances in the batting department came from Dane Cleaver (65 off 42 balls). Cleaver is now the leading run-getter of the season at 282 runs followed by Greg Hay at 208 runs. Now all they need is for skipper Tom Bruce to step up and make an impact.

Their bowling is pretty sorted. Seth Rance, despite being expensive in the last two matches, is the joint second-highest wicket-taker this season at 10 wickets. Blair Tickner, who picked up 3-40 in the match against Auckland and followed it up with a spell of 1-23 from 4 overs in the previous outing, has also been good. Medium-pacer Joey Field getting his touch in the last match is also a positive sign for the team.

Central Stags Predicted Playing XI:

Greg Hay, Bayley Wiggins, Dane Cleaver (wk), Christian Leopard, Tom Bruce (c), Josh Clarkson, Doug Bracewell, Joey Field, Ajaz Patel, Seth Rance, Blair Tickner

Central Stags Actual Playing XI:

Dane Cleaver, Josh Clarkson, Greg Hay, Ajaz Patel, Ben Smith, Doug Bracewell, Blair Tickner, Joey Field, Tom Bruce, Seth Rance, Ma'ara Ave

Canterbury Kings Preview

Canterbury Kings will be riding high on confidence after their 36-run win against Otago in their last match. After choosing to bat first, Canterbury put on 173-6 on the board and then stopped Otago at 137-8. The top-order came through for the team with Chad Bowes (50 off 32 balls), Ken McClure (34 off 27 balls), and Henry Nicholls (49* off 37 balls) doing the bulk of the scoring. Skipper Cole McConchie, who had smashed 84 off 54 balls in the match against Central Stags earlier this season, can be the man to watch out for.

Canterbury’s bowling is in good shape with Ed Nuttall and Matt Henry, the top two leading wicket-takers of the season with 11 and 10 wickets respectively leading the way. Henry Shipley does a good job in keeping things tight while Todd Astle’s leg-spin has been pretty effective. 

Canterbury Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Chad Bowes, Ken McClure, Henry Nicholls, Leo Carter, Cole McConchie (c), Cam Fletcher (wk), Henry Shipley, Matt Henry, Todd Astle, Blake Coburn, Ed Nuttall

Canterbury Kings Actual Playing XI:

Leo Carter, Todd Astle, Will Williams, Henry Shipley, Chad Bowes, Cameron Fletcher, Ken McClure, Blake Coburn, Cole McConchie, Ed Nuttall, Mitchell Hay

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth is a really good one for batting. The surface holds up pretty well and there are runs for the taking. Seamers are likely to struggle but spinners will find some purchase as the ball becomes softer.

The weather at New Plymouth on the day of the game is likely to be cloudy and pleasant.
 

Venue Details

The average score batting first at Pukekura Park is 182. The highest total achieved here is a whopping 249-3 by Otago Volts. Totals above 190 have been scored 9 times here. The team batting first in this match would be looking to set a target of around 180-190 runs.

Toss: To Bowl

The team winning the toss is likely to bat second.