Otago Volts vs Northern Knights, SS T20 2021, Today Match Prediction 12 December 2021

ov vs nk Match Prediction & Analysis

Otago Volts haven’t had the best of fortunes in the new season of the Super Smash so far. They lost their first game to Central Stags and their second encounter against Northern Knights was washed out after they were in a good position. They now face the Knights again at home and would be looking to make amends. Northern Knights haven’t played any other game so far and will be desperate to open their account. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Otago Volts Preview

Otago Volts would rue the fact that their last match against Northern Knights was washed out. They had the opposition struggling at 106-6 from 13 overs and were in a good position to force a winning result. Left-arm chinaman Michael Rippon, who had an expensive first game, made a terrific turnaround with a spell of 3-32 against the Knights. He will definitely be one to watch out for. Jacob Duffy and Anaru Kitchen also looked in good rhythm in the last game and this gives their bowling a healthy look.

On the batting front, Otago would again be looking for contributions from Hamish Rutherford who had smacked a terrific 82 off 47 balls in the first game against Central Stags. Neil Broom, Nick Kelly, and Kitchen make for a solid middle-order but they would have to do more than just 20s and 30s. 
 

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:

Michael Rippon, Jacob Duffy, Angus McKenzie, Neil Broom, Anaru Kitchen, Llew Johnson, Hamish Rutherford, Joshua Finnie, Max chu, Travis Muller, Dale Phillips

Northern Knights Preview

The Northern Knights would really have to work on their batting if they wish to make a mark this season. Barring skipper Jeet Raval (33 off 18 balls), none of the main batsmen managed to make an impactful contribution in their previous game against Otago Volts. Before rain interrupted the match, they were struggling at 106-6 from 13 overs. The likes of Joe Carter and Henry Cooper would need to step up. All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme will be itching to make his mark as well with his big hitting. 

Their bowling is a little short on experience and teeth. A lot will depend on the form of Scott Kuggeleijn who was their leading wicket-taker last season. Joe Walker’s off-spin could also come in handy on this surface. Another bowler they would be banking on to deliver some crucial economical overs is medium-pacer Anurag Verma.
 

Northern Knights Predicted Playing XI:

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

Northern Knights Actual Playing XI:

Peter Bocock, Anurag Verma, Katene Clarke, Tim Seifert, Scott Kuggeleijn, Joe Walker, Jeet Raval, Henry Cooper, Colin de Grandhomme, FL Walker, Matthew Fisher

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at University Oval, Dunedin, is usually a good one for batting but seam bowlers also get some help here. It doesn’t change much throughout the 40 overs, so expect the batters to dominate. 

The weather at Dunedin on the day of the match is expected to be a little cloudy but pleasant overall.
 

Venue Details

The average score batting first at University Oval, Dunedin, is 168. In the last match played here this season between Otago and Central Stags, Otago scored 184-4 after batting first and the Stags easily overhauled the target with one over to spare. Totals between 170 and 189 have now been achieved 4 times here. The team batting first in this game will look to get something in the range of 190 and above.

Toss: To Bowl

The team winning the toss is going to bat second in all likelihoods as chasing sides have had a much better record on this venue.