Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds, Super Smash 2019-20, Today Match Prediction 01 Jan 2020

nk vs wf Match Prediction & Analysis

Tournament favorites Wellington Firebirds have been on a roll since the commencement of Super Smash 2019-20. Led by Michael Bracewell, Firebirds have won four out of five matches and the victory over Auckland Aces would have jolted their confidence as they take on a frailing Northern Knights in amidst the conditions of Bay Oval.

On the other hand, Northern Knights have had a terrible run so far as they could muster a sole win in six matches, including three losses and a no result. The Dean Brownlie-captained side would be coming into the contest on the back of a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Otago and would wish to turn their fortune from the coming game at Mount Maunganui.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Northern Knights Preview

Daryl Mitchell (80 runs in 3 innings) has been the highest run-getter for the Knights in the ongoing tournament and would carry the onus of scoring the bulk of runs in the middle. Mitchell (26-ball 39) was in a great nick in the lately concluded match and would be hoping to get those runs on board.

Opener Tim Seifert (31-ball 54) was bashing the bad deliveries out of the park versus Otago and along with hard-hitting all-rounder, Anton Devich would look to capitalize on the opportunities at Bay Oval.

Bowling wise, Mitchell (7 wickets in 5 innings) and Anurag Verma (7 wickets in 5 innings) lead the way with decent performances to their name. Pacer Brett Randell (5 wickets in 3 innings) has benefitted from the overcast conditions this season and alongside Scott Kuggeleijn would look to rip apart the rival lineup.

Northern Knights Predicted Playing XI:

Dean Brownlie (c), Anurag Verma, Brett Hampton, Daryl Mitchell, Brett Randell, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tim Seifert (wk), Anton Devcich, Ish Sodhi, Joe Carter, Daniel Flynn

Northern Knights Actual Playing XI:

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

Wellington Firebirds Preview

The top-order trio of Devon Conway (232 runs in 5 innings), Michael Pollard (143 runs in 5 innings) and James Neesham (151 runs in 5 innings) have been scoring chunk of runs in each innings and would be heavily relied to put up a ton of runs on board. 

Pacer Ollie Newton (10 wickets in 5 innings) and James Neesham (6 wickets in 5 innings) have been phenomenal with the ball. Malcolm Nofal (2/13) had an economical performance Auckland Aces in the previous match and with fellow spinner, Rachin Ravindra could be valuable in the middle-overs.

Wellington Firebirds Predicted Playing XI:

Michael Bracewell (c), Hamish Bennett, Ollie Newton, Logan Beek, Malcolm Nofal, Jamie Gibson, Fraser Colson, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Pollard, Devon Conway (wk)

Wellington Firebirds Actual Playing XI:

Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Bennett, Devon Conway, Logan van Beek, Jamie Gibson, Ollie Newton, Malcolm Nofal, Fraser Colson, Michael Bracewell, Michael Pollard, James Neesham

Weather Conditions

Excellent cricketing conditions prevail for both the teams. The skies will be clear throughout with the temperature gliding between 19-22 degrees Celsius.

Venue Details

A belter of a contest could be expected in the coming game with both sides possessing clear hitters in their lineup and the pitch and weather conditions meeting their needs. Scores as high as 180 could be anticipated in the upcoming match.

Toss: To Bat

The pitch at Bay Oval has always been high-scoring in the T20s with 165 being the average 1st innings total. Taking into account the clear weather and batting-friendly wicket, one could expect the toss-winning team to bat first on this occasion.