Northern Knights vs Otago Volts, Super Smash 2019-20, Today Match Prediction 16 Dec 2019

nk vs ov Match Prediction & Analysis

Having won the recently finished game against Auckland, two-time Super Smash champions Otago Volts would be high on morale as they take on their arch-rivals Northern Knights in their first of two encounters of the concurrent T20 season.  Led by Jacob Duffy, Otago posted 210 runs on board in their recent outing against Auckland; courtesy Neil Broom (93) and Hamish Rutherford (52) getting the team off to a good total.

Although it didn't seem like a defendable total considering the Auckland were bashing the ball out of the park throughout, it was the spell by spinner Michael Rippon (2/20) which turned the tide in Otago's favor in the process garnering them a 13-run triumph. 

For the Northern Knights, it would be a chance to rectify the mistakes committed in the outing against Auckland wherein they lost by a margin of over 100-runs. In the batting department, Anton Devich (35) was the only positive for the Knights while Ish Sodhi (2/27) dazzled with the ball. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Northern Knights Preview

The top-order trio of Dean Brownlie, Anton Devich and Joe Carter would be carrying the onus of scoring the bulk of runs for the Northern Knights in the much-anticipated encounter. In the middle-order, Daryl Michell and Daniel Flynn would hold pivotal positions in case the top-order falters to get runs on board.

Ish Sodhi garnered economical figures in the previous game and would be backed to put up a similar show along with pacers Mathew Fisher and Anurag Verma who would be vying to tear through the opposition lineup.

Northern Knights Predicted Playing XI:

Dean Brownlie (c), Matthew Fisher, Peter Bocock (wk), Anurag Verma, Brett Hampton, Daryl Mitchell, Scott Kuggeleijn, Anton Devcich, Ish Sodhi, Joe Carter, Daniel Flynn.

Northern Knights Actual Playing XI:

Ish Sodhi, Anurag Verma, Tim Seifert, Scott Kuggeleijn, Anton Devcich, Brett Hampton, Joe Carter, Matthew Fisher, Dean Brownlie, Daryl Mitchell, Daniel Flynn

Otago Volts Preview

Otago started their Super Smash 2019-20 season on a stupendous note and would be banking on the striking knocks from Neil Broom, Hamish Rutherford for putting on majestic run tally to the scoreboard. Nick Kelly and Anaru Kitchen were dismissed for petty totals in the previous outing and would be itching to get those big-hits at Hamilton.

Dean Foxcroft scored a destructive 18-ball 36 in the previous T20 and would be hoping to emulate a similar show versus Dean Brownlie & Co. Bowling wise, the duo of Nathan Smith and skipper Jacob Duffy would be expected to unsettle the rivals in the powerplay and slog overs, while Michael Rippon could pose a threat to the opposition in case he gets those turners at the right intervals.

Otago Volts Predicted Playing XI:

Jacob Duffy (c), Michael Rae, Hamish Rutherford, Michael Rippon, Josh Finnie, Nathan G Smith, Max Chu (wk), Dean Foxcroft, Anaru Kitchen, Nick Kelly, Neil Broom

Otago Volts Actual Playing XI:

Michael Rae, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly, Nathan Smith, NT Broom, Anaru Kitchen, Michael Rippon, Hamish Rutherford, Joshua Finnie, Max chu

Weather Conditions

The pitch at Seddon Park has been a batters delight with 154 being the average first innings total in T20s. Scores as high as 215 have been put at this venue and although it is being foretold that conditions might hamper the play at Hamilton, one could still vouch for the batsmen to chase down the totals.

Venue Details

High chances of rain are being predicted prior to the commencement of the contest. It shouldn't come as a surprise if the match gets called off due to the heavy outpour. In case the match continues, one could expect the batters to perform better in the latter stages as the immediate damp conditions wouldn't allow the ball to come naturally onto the bat in the first innings.

Toss: To Bowl

The toss winning captain must consider bowling first on this occasion. With the rains all set to play a spoilsport at Seddon Park, it becomes all the more advisable to consider batting first amidst these conditions.