Central Stags vs Northern Knights, SS T20 2021, Today Match Prediction 30 December 2021

cd vs nk Match Prediction & Analysis

The Northern Knights are firmly placed at the top of the table currently. They have 3 wins in 5 matches along with 2 losses at a net run rate of +0.577. Their next opponents are the Central Stags who are 3rd on the table with 3 wins and two losses as well but a net run rate of +0.262. The two sides will be clashing for the first time this season and it will be interesting to see who emerges victorious. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Central Stags Preview

After a thumping 53-run win against Otago Volts, the Central Stags lost their previous match against Auckland Aces. After batting first on a good wicket, the Stags put 168-5 on the board and the opposition chased the target down with 4 wickets and 1 ball to spare. For the Stags, the only notable performances in the batting department came from Greg Hay (57 off 45 balls) and Dane Cleaver (42 off 27 balls). Cleaver is now the leading run-getter of the season at 217 runs followed by Hay at 202 runs. Opener Bayley Wiggins has also looked good. Now all they need is for skipper Tom Bruce and Josh Clarkson to start scoring regularly.

Their bowling is pretty sorted. Seth Rance, despite giving away 43 runs in his 4 overs in the last game, has been amongst the wickets and is the joint second-highest wicket-taker this season at 10 wickets. Blair Tickner, who picked up 3-40 in the last match, has also been good and the inclusion of left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has further strengthened their bowling unit. 
 

Central Stags Predicted Playing XI:

Greg Hay, Bayley Wiggins, Dane Cleaver (wk), Christian Leopard, Tom Bruce (c), Josh Clarkson, Ben Smith, Blair Tickner, Seth Rance, Adam Milne, Ajaz Patel

Central Stags Actual Playing XI:

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

Northern Knights Preview

The Northern Knights have been involved in a couple of really low-scoring games and it’s their esteemed bowling unit that has done the job for them. In their last match, they faced off against Canterbury Kings. While chasing a small target of 108, they clinched victory only in the final ball of the match with just 1 wicket remaining. In Katene Clarke, Tim Seifert, and Jeet Raval they have a good top three, but they have struggled in the last couple of matches. They will also be expecting big runs from the hard-hitting all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme in this match.

The Knights’ bowling has been led by Trent Boult, Anurag Verma, and Scott Kuggeleijn who have all been excellent so far in picking up wickets and keeping the opposition batsmen under check. Ish Sodhi and Joe Walker, who picked up 5 wickets between themselves in the last game, have been a terrific spin duo. This bowling lineup is easily the best one this season and will pose a challenge to Central Stags.
 

Northern Knights Predicted Playing XI:

Katene Clarke, Tim Seifert (wk), Jeet Raval (c), Joe Carter, Brett Hampton, Colin de Grandhomme, Scott Kuggeleijn, Anurag Verma, Ish Sodhi, Joe Walker, Trent Boult

Northern Knights Actual Playing XI:

Anurag Verma, Tim Seifert, Scott Kuggeleijn, Joe Walker, Brett Hampton, Joe Carter, Jeet Raval, Henry Cooper, Colin de Grandhomme, Frederick Walker, Matthew Fisher

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 breezy 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 190-200 runs.

Toss: To Bowl

The team winning the toss is likely to bat first as this is a new pitch and should allow for setting a good total.