Otago Volts vs Wellington Firebirds, SS T20 2022, Today Match Prediction 15 January 2023

ov vs wf Match Prediction & Analysis

The Otago Volts have a tough challenge as they take on Wellington Firebirds in the 18th game of Super Smash 2022-23 at home. Both sides come into this game with their previous game washed away by rain. The season enters its most crucial stage, and a win here would be crucial for both teams, especially the Volts, who are sitting fourth on the points table.  

Otago Volts have won only one game this season and will be under pressure to win this game. A loss here would make it challenging for the side to reach the playoffs. The Wellington Firebirds have won the last eight games against the Volts, which will make them confident. It will be worth watching if Volts can turn it around.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Otago Volts Preview

Hamish Rutherford's side has just one win in five games. They have to win this one to improve their position on the points table. Their last game against the Northern Knights was washed away by rain. They lost against Wellington earlier, and Rutherford shall look to take advantage of the home conditions and bounce back in this game.  

Hamish Rutherford must lead from the front and deliver a good start alongside Thorn Parkes. Dean Foxcroft is doing well at No. 3 and must build partnerships with Josh Finnie and Dale Phillips in the middle order. Llew Johnson and Jake Gibson can strike the ball and need to contribute down the order, as Firebirds bowlers have been in good form.  

Andrew Hazeldine must start the ball well with Travis Muller, as they will face a strong batting line-up. Jake Gibson must bowl good spells in the middle overs along with Ben Lockrose, who has been expensive. Dean Foxcroft, Jarrod McKay, and Josh Finnie must come up with a good show in the supporting role.

Otago Volts Predicted Playing XI:

Hamish Rutherford (c), Dale Phillips (wk), Dean Foxcroft, Josh Finnie, Thorn Parkes, Llew Johnson, Jake Gibson, Ben Lockrose, Andrew Hazeldine, Travis Muller, Jarrod McKay

Otago Volts Actual Playing XI:

Dean Foxcroft, Benjamin Lockrose, Matthew Bacon, Llew Johnson, Michael Rae, Joshua Finnie, Hamish Rutherford, Jake Gibson, Nick Kwant, Dale Phillips, Michael Rippon

Wellington Firebirds Preview

Peter Younghusband's side sits at the top of the points table. They had to share points in the last game with the Central Stags after rain prevented play. The Firebirds skipper will look to retain the top spot with a win. They had defeated Volts earlier in the season, which will be an inspiration for the team.  

Devan Vishvaka and Nick Kelly haven't been consistent, and they will need to come up with runs at the top. Rachin Ravindra has a lot of experience and will have to build partnerships with Troy Johnson and Nathan Smith. They bat deep, and the team will look for runs from Ollie Newton, Tim Robinson, and Callum McLachlan.  

The bowling attack has done well for the team, and they will look for good spells with the new ball from Logan van Beek and Ollie Newton. Nathan Smith and Ravindra must bowl tight spells in the middle overs. Younghusband has bowled well and makes it a strong attack with Nick Kelly. 

Wellington Firebirds Predicted Playing XI:

Peter Younghusband (c), Devan Vishvaka, Nick Kelly, Rachin Ravindra, Troy Johnson, Nathan Smith, Ollie Newton, Tim Robinson, Callum McLachlan (wk), Logan van Beek, Michael Snedden

Wellington Firebirds Actual Playing XI:

Nathan Smith, Rachin Ravindra, Nick Kelly, Adam Milne, Ollie Newton, Peter Younghusband, Troy Johnson, Logan van Beek, Tim Robinson, Callum McLachlan, Devan Vishvaka

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

There are predictions for clear skies over Dunedin on January 15. The track would be tricky to bat on early in the game, and batsmen must watch out. Bowlers will enjoy these conditions, and the side batting first shall be happy to have 165 runs on the board.

Venue Details

The pitch at University Oval, Dunedin, assists bowlers, and it can be a challenging surface to bat on. Batsmen, however, are also at an advantage, with the shorter square boundaries offering good scoring opportunities. Fast bowlers have enjoyed a good record at this venue, while spinners have mostly struggled.

Toss: To Bowl

It will be the first game at this venue this season. There would be some moisture on the surface due to the recent rain. Bowlers will get early movement from the surface. The side winning the toss shall like to take advantage of the conditions by opting to bowl first.