Central Stags vs Wellington Firebirds, SS T20 2021, Today Match Prediction 08 January 2022

cd vs wf Match Prediction & Analysis

Central Stags will be thankful for the New Year’s break as they had kind of lost their momentum and had suffered three back-to-back losses. They are still in a good position on the table – at 3rd place with 3 wins and 4 losses in 7 games at a net run rate of -0.162. They will be taking on Wellington Firebirds who have struggled this season and are at 5th place with 2 wins and 3 losses at a net run rate of -0.256. The Stags had previously beaten Wellington this season and playing at home, they would be favorites according to the betting apps in India. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Central Stags Preview

After they started the season with 4 consecutive wins, it looked like Central Stags would be the team to beat. However, 3 losses in a row have upset their momentum a bit. The Stags would hope to regroup and start afresh. In their last match against Canterbury, they did well to post an imposing total of 217 but still lost the contest by 5 wickets and 16 balls to spare. 

The Stags have a strong batting unit. Dane Cleaver, who smashed 61 off 32 balls in the last match, is now the season’s highest scorer with 343 runs at a strike rate of 173. He will again be their main man. Greg Hay (234 runs at 121) and skipper Tom Bruce (215 runs at 161) are the other two batsmen to watch out for. Bruce, who is fresh from an unbeaten knock of 93 off 39 balls, will be basking in confidence.

Their bowling has primarily been dependent on Seth Rance (11 wickets at 8.82) and Doug Bracewell (8 wickets at 7.93). Blair Tickner, despite picking 6 wickets has been expensive and has gone at a rate of 10.15.
 

Central Stags Predicted Playing XI:

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

Central Stags Actual Playing XI:

Josh Clarkson, Ajaz Patel, Ben Smith, Doug Bracewell, Bayley Wiggins, Blair Tickner, Joey Field, Tom Bruce, Mason Hughes, Seth Rance, Ma'ara Ave

Wellington Firebirds Preview

After a string of losses, Wellington Firebirds finally broke the shackles by registering a solid 5-wicket win against Otago in their last match. Chasing a target of 167, Wellington reached there with 4 balls to spare. Opener Finn Allen’s blistering 13-ball 32 along with Tim Robinson’s 65 off 49 balls were the standout performances of the chase. Nathan Smith’s sensational unbeaten 38 off 18 balls down the order also made a difference.

Wellington’s batting still needs work as their highest scorer is still Robinson with only 113 runs at a strike rate of 122. Troy Johnson and skipper Michael Bracewell really need to be more consistent now. A lot is also expected from all-rounder James Neesham lower down the order.

Wellington’s bowling hasn’t been all that impressive either. Their highest wicket-taker this season is Ben Sears with 7 wickets at an economy of 8.77. He’s followed by Logan van Beek (6 wickets at 7.61) and Hamish Bennett (5 wickets at 8.11). Leg-spinner Peter Younghusband has taken just 3 wickets but has kept things tight by going at an economy of 7.07. They have all done a decent job but against a strong batting unit like Central Stags, they would need to keep taking wickets. 

Wellington Firebirds Predicted Playing XI:

Finn Allen (wk), Logan van Beek, Troy Johnson, Michael Bracewell (c), James Neesham, Nathan Smith, Jamie Gibson, Tim Robinson, Peter Younghusband, Ben Sears, Hamish Bennett

Wellington Firebirds Actual Playing XI:

Finn Allen, Logan van Beek, Nathan Smith, Hamish Bennett, Jamie Gibson, Michael Bracewell, Ben Sears, Ollie Newton, James Neesham, Tim Robinson, Troy Johnson

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth has proven to be quite good for batting and remains true throughout. Seamers do get something out of the surface but batsmen will have a better time on this pitch again.

The weather at New Plymouth on the day of the game is expected to be cloudy.
 

Venue Details

In the last match at Pukekura Park this season between Central Stags and Canterbury, we saw a total match aggregate of 438 runs in just 37.2 overs. Expect another high-scoring game here as the average score batting first on the venue is 182. The team batting first in this game will be looking to set a target of 190-200 runs. You can place your Over bets for this game at Betway, as they seem to offer the best odds for this game.

Toss: To Bowl

Both the matches played on this venue have been won by the team chasing. Thus, the team winning the toss will be choosing to bat second.