Northern Knights vs Otago Volts, SS T20 2021, Today Match Prediction 03 December 2021

nk vs ov Match Prediction & Analysis

The Otago Volts started their new Super Smash season with a loss against Central Stags. They now have a chance to make amends in their next game against Northern Knights. Otago has had a terrific record against the Knights in recent times and they would be eager to continue that. The Knights, who ended the last season 4th on the table with 5 wins and 5 losses, have a lot to prove. Playing at home, the Knights will feel slightly confident of their chances.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Northern Knights Preview

The Northern Knights had a season to forget the last time. Skipper Anton Devcich will remain one of their primary batters, ending the last season as the team’s highest run-scorer with 286 runs at a strike rate of 169.23, including a brilliant unbeaten 75 off 40 balls in their last game against Otago. Another one to watch out for is Tim Seifert who has been in good form recently and has the confidence of a solid last season where he amassed 281 runs at a strike rate of 115.63. All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme will be itching to make his mark as well with his big-hitting capabilities.

The Knights will be without their regular bowlers Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner, who are both in India for the Test series. Trent Boult too is likely to miss out on the first few games. This leaves their bowling a little short on experience and teeth. A lot will depend on the form of Scott Kuggeleijn and Ish Sodhi. Kuggeleijn was their leading wicket-taker last season with 12 scalps at 9.50. Joe Walker’s off-spin could also come in handy.

Northern Knights Predicted Playing XI:

Tim Seifert (wk), Katene Clarke, Joe Carter, Colin de Grandhomme, Anton Devcich (c), Brett Hampton, Scott Kuggeleijn, Anurag Verma, Ish Sodhi, Brett Randell/ Matthew Fisher, Joe Walker

Northern Knights Actual Playing XI:

Peter Bocock, Anurag Verma, Katene Clarke, Scott Kuggeleijn, Joe Walker, Joe Carter, Jeet Raval, Henry Cooper, Zak Gibson, Colin de Grandhomme, Matthew Fisher

Otago Volts Preview

Otago Volts would be disappointed that they couldn’t clinch a win in their first game of the season despite having a great start. Batting first, they posted a healthy 184-4 with captain Hamish Rutherford leading the way with a brilliant 82 off 47 balls. While he didn’t get much support from the others, Neil Broom did look good for his 30, and Anaru Kitchen’s cameo of 25 off 14 balls did come in handy. Their batting is good enough, and this unit should continue to make an impact.

It’s their bowling where Otago went down as the opposition chased the target down with an over to spare. While Jacob Duffy, Anaru Kitchen, and Matthew Bacon did a decent job, the others kept leaking runs. Michael Rippon, in particular, came in for real punishment and conceded 50 runs off just 3 overs. The left-arm chinaman, however, is likely to get a few more chances for the variety he brings into the attack. For Otago to win this, though, they would need their bowling to be a lot better.

Otago Volts Predicted Playing XI:

Hamish Rutherford (c), Josh Finnie, Neil Broom, Nick Kelly, Dale Phillips, Anaru Kitchen, Michael Rippon, Max Chu (wk), Jacob Duffy, Jake Gibson, Matthew Bacon

Otago Volts Actual Playing XI:

Jacob Duffy, Neil Broom, Jake Gibson, Anaru Kitchen, Llew Johnson, Michael Rippon, Matthew Bacon, Hamish Rutherford, Joshua Finnie, Max chu, Dale Phillips

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at Hamilton is known to be a belter. Expect the batters to make merry for the most part of the game. The pitch is fresh and is unlikely to grip or slow down much either, so slower bowlers would have to be careful of their lengths. Seamers should get good bounce here.

A shower or two is excepted at Hamilton on the day of the game, but the weather should hold and is likely to be pleasant. 
 

Venue Details

The highest team total at Hamilton is 215-6 by Northern Districts. There have been 7 totals above 190 here so far in domestic T20s, and that gives us a fair indication that we are bound to have a high-scoring game. The team batting first will look to target a total in the range of 190+.

Toss: To Bowl

Teams batting second have won 13 of the 19 T20 domestic games on the venue. So win the toss and chase should be the way to go.