Northern Knights vs Canterbury Kings, SS T20 2022, Today Match Prediction 23 December 2022

nk vs ck Match Prediction & Analysis

It is the opening game for Super Smash 2022-23, and the defending champions, Northern Knights, would take on last year's finalist Canterbury Kings. Both sides had done well last year, finishing 1 and 2 on the points table during the league stage. There are good players on both sides, and they shall look to start the season with a win.  

Northern Knights have enjoyed a good record against the Canterbury Kings. They have won the last four out of five games between the two teams. The Knights play at their home ground, where they enjoy a good record. It remains to be seen if the Canterbury Kings can end their 4-game losing streak against the Knights.  

TEAMS PREVIEW

Northern Knights Preview

Mark Adair shall look to start from where they had left last year. The side comes to this game with a nine-match winning streak and shall look to build on it. They are up against a strong side, and Adair will expect a good show from his side. They play at home, and the Knights skipper shall like to see a strong show from his players.  

Tim Seifert and Katene Clarke make a strong opening pair, and the side would like a good start from these players in this game. Jeet Raval must anchor the middle order and add runs with Brett Hampton and Henry Cooper in the middle order. Adir and Scott Kuggeleijn can hit the ball, and the side would need runs from them in the lower middle order.   

Frederick Walker and Kuggeleijn did bowl well last season with the new ball, and the same from them shall serve the team well. They have good bowlers for the middle overs in Brett Randell, Zak Gibson, and Adir. They need to bowl good lines from Joe Walker as the Kings have a strong batting line-up.

Northern Knights Predicted Playing XI:

Mark Adair (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Katene Clarke, Jeet Raval, Henry Cooper, Brett Hampton, Scott Kuggeleijn, Zak Gibson, Joe Walker, Brett Randell, Frederick Walker

Northern Knights Actual Playing XI:

Kristian Clarke, Katene Clarke, Tim Seifert, Scott Kuggeleijn, Joe Walker, Tim Pringle, Brett Hampton, Joe Carter, Jeet Raval, Henry Cooper, Mitchell Santner

Canterbury Kings Preview

Cole McConchie's side had a great run in the tournament's last edition, only to go down in the final. They played well as a team, with most players pitching in with their contributions, and the Kings' skipper would be happy to see a similar show here. McConchie shall hope to see a good start from his players as they start their campaign in this edition.  

The side would like a good start in this game from Chad Bowes and Ken McClure. The pair did well last year and will look to repeat the same magic. The middle order is formidable for the side, and they will look for runs from McConchie, Jack Boyle, and Matthew Boyle. Cam Fletcher, Todd Astle, and Leo Carter add to the side's batting strength as they can hit the ball cleanly.  

Matt Henry and McConchie are key bowlers for the team, and they must strike early to put the side in a commanding position. Astle, Mitchell, and Ed Nuttall have shaped up well for the season, and they will need to bowl good spells in the middle overs. The side will also look for a good show from Will Williams in the supporting role. 

Canterbury Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Cole McConchie (c), Chad Bowes, Ken McClure, Jack Boyle, Matthew Boyle, Leo Carter, Cam Fletcher (wk), Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Will Williams, Ed Nuttall

Canterbury Kings Actual Playing XI:

Leo Carter, Todd Astle, Angus McKenzie, Henry Shipley, Matthew Boyle, Chad Bowes, Cameron Fletcher, Blake Coburn, Cole McConchie, Ed Nuttall, Mitchell Hay

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The skies over Mount Maunganui are likely to be cloudy on December 23. The wicket would be a challenging one to bat on, where the ball will bounce and move. The side that bats first in the game should be happy to put up a score of 160 runs or more. 

Venue Details

Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, is a happy hunting ground for fast bowlers. They get the ball to seam and swing on this surface. But the smaller dimensions of the venue also allow batsmen to play their strokes easily. There is grass on the track, making it a very challenging place to bowl for the spinners. 

Toss: To Bowl

There will be some moisture on the surface, this being the first game of the season. In the past, we have seen batting getting easier as the game goes on. Hence, the side winning the toss in this game shouldn't have any hesitation in bowling first.