Central Stags vs Otago Volts, Plunket Shield 2023-24, Today Match Prediction

cd vs ov Match Prediction & Analysis

We are in the final round of league games in the Plunket Shield 2023-24. The Central Stags will be up against the Otago Volts in the 22nd match as both teams look to finish the season on a high. The Stags lost against the Auckland Aces in their last game. The Volts are also low on confidence after losing the last game by a big margin.  

The Central Stags have defeated the Otago Volts in the last two games the side has played. It will add to the side's confidence and the fact that the side is playing on the home ground. The Otago Volts have had a poor season, with just one win to boast of. It will be interesting to see if they can turn it around in this game.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Central Stags Preview

Greg Hay's side has struggled in the second half of the season after making a good start, winning twice in three games. They went down against the Auckland Aces by 41 runs in the last game. They will look to finish the season on a high and continue with their good record against the Otago Volts.  

The wide will expect a good start in this game from Will Young and Curtis Heaphy, as the pair has struggled in the last few games. In the middle order, they will need Grey Hay to hold the innings together and add runs with Brad Schmulian and Tom Bruce. They have depth in the batting lineup and need a good show from Dane Cleaver and Josh Clarkson.  

Doug Bracewell is an experienced bowler, and he will look to pick early wickets, sharing the new ball with Blair Tickner. Liam Dudding and Josh Clarkson did well in the last game and will look to maintain the pressure on the batsmen. Ajaz Patel and Brad Schmulian add strength to this bowling attack. 

Central Stags Predicted Playing XI:

Greg Hay (c), Curtis Heaphy, Brad Schmulian, Tom Bruce, Dane Cleaver (wk), Josh Clarkson, Ajaz Patel, Blair Tickner, Liam Dudding, Doug Bracewell, Will Young

Otago Volts Preview

Dean Foxcroft's side will look to end the disastrous season on a positive note. Their batsmen failed in the last game against the Wellington Firebirds, going down by an innings and 42 runs. Their poor form doesn't inspire confidence, and Foxcroft will expect a better performance from his players.  

Thorn Parkes and Jacob Cumming need to do well at the top, as poor starts have been a problem for the side this season. Dale Phillips will feel confident after his good knock in the last game and look to add runs with Foxcroft and Jamal Todd. Luke Georgeson and Max Chu must add runs in the lower middle order.  

Jacob Duffy and Luke Georgeson struggled in the last game, and the pair needs to bowl tighter spells with the new ball. Andrew Hazeldine and Travis Muller will play important roles in this game. They will also expect a good show from Ben Lockrose and Foxcroft in the supporting role.

Otago Volts Predicted Playing XI:

Dean Foxcroft (c), Thorn Parkes, Jacob Cumming, Dale Phillips, Jamal Todd, Luke Georgeson, Max Chu (wk), Ben Lockrose, Travis Muller, Andrew Hazeldine, Jacob Duffy

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

We expect overcast skies over Napier. The green track will help the fast bowlers move the ball and cause problems for the batsmen. Batsmen must be watchful and get their eyes set to do well. The side batting first will be happy to get 350 runs in the first innings.

Venue Details

McLean Park, Napier, is a fast-paced wicket. Fast bowlers have done well at this venue as the wicket offers them bounce and lateral movement. Batsmen must be watchful on this wicket and play to the merit of the ball. There isn't much on this wicket for the spinners.

Toss: To Bowl

This wicket offers early assistance to the bowlers on the first two days when batting conditions are challenging. The batting conditions are better on the last two days of the game. The side that wins the toss here won't hesitate to bowl first.