Wellington Firebirds vs Auckland Aces, Super Smash 2019-20, Today Match Prediction 19 Jan 2020

wf vs auc Match Prediction & Analysis

So it will be a Wellington vs Auckland Final of the Super Smash 2019-20 on the 19th of January at the Basin Reserve. Wellington had already reserved their place in the finals after topping the league stage. Auckland secured a thrilling and nerve-wracking 3-wicket win against Otago in the Elimination Final and will be high on confidence. The match had almost slipped away from their grasp, but they kept fighting and ended up winning the exciting contest. 
The two teams have clashed twice this season, and both have secured a victory each in those face-offs. Interestingly, the two sides had last met on the same venue in the league stage where Auckland had secured a comfortable 6-wicket win while chasing a target of 166.

So will Auckland have the edge in the final? Or Wellington enjoys the home advantage? We are all set for a thrilling clash.
 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Wellington Firebirds Preview

While Wellington did lose their last league encounter, they were still the table-toppers with 6 wins and 4 losses. They have a very balanced outfit and captain Michael Bracewell would be hopeful that his team will be able to be at their best on the day of the final.
Opener Devon Conway has been the leading run-getter for Wellington by some distance and has already amassed 494 runs in 10 games at a superb average of 70.57 with 1 hundred and 5 fifties. He also scored a fluent 69 against Auckland in the last game and the team would want him to repeat that show. Apart from him, Wellington would also depend on Michael Pollard (283 runs) and skipper Michael Bracewell (172 runs).
Wellington’s bowling has been good but is overwhelmingly dependent on two players - Hamish Bennett (14 wickets) and Ollie Newton (16 wickets). The two seamers have done a great job throughout the season and would need to fire in the final as well. James Neesham would be missed but the likes of Rachin Ravindra and Logan van Beek would have to take up responsibly as well if they have to stop the strong Auckland batting.

Wellington Firebirds Predicted Playing XI:

Devon Conway, Michael Pollard, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell (C), Tom Blundell (wk), Fraser Colson, Jamie Gibson, Logan van Beek, Ollie Newton, Hamish Bennett, Peter Younghusband

Wellington Firebirds Actual Playing XI:

Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Bennett, Devon Conway, Logan van Beek, Ollie Newton, Peter Younghusband, Michael Bracewell, Michael Pollard, TA Blundell, James Neesham, Jamie Gibson

Auckland Aces Preview

Auckland was 3rd in the points table at the end of the league stage. But they displayed remarkable grit in the Elimination Final against 2nd placed Otago to reach the finals. Auckland has shown the value of a team effort and that is what they would be banking on again when they take on Wellington in the tournament final.
Auckland’s batting has had many stars throughout the season. Martin Guptill has led the charge with a terrific season – 343 runs in 9 innings at an average of 42.87 and strike-rate of 149.13. The experienced Kiwi opener has been striking it well and had top-scored with a superb 43 off 27 balls in the Elimination Final. Fellow opener Colin Munro (211 runs) has also been in good form and if the two can have a good partnership in the final, they can take the game away. Glenn Phillips (199 runs) has made an impact in the middle-order along with Mark Chapman (217). Captain Craig Cachopa (198 runs) to has had a good season. 
Auckland’s bowling has been their weakness and has let them down often this season. Left-arm spinner Ronnie Hira has been the leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets and has got decent support from Mitchell McClenaghan (7 wickets) and Mark Chapman (7 wickets). William Somerville’s outstanding spell of 3-25 in the last game was one of the highlights for Auckland and he may well prove to be the game-changer again. 

Auckland Aces Predicted Playing XI:

Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Ben Horne, Craig Cachopa (C), Corey Anderson, Ronnie Hira, William Somerville, Mitchell McClenaghan, Kyle Jamieson.

Auckland Aces Actual Playing XI:

Ronnie Hira, Colin Munro, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Robert O'Donnell, Mitchell McClenaghan, Martin Guptill, Craig Cachopa, William Somerville, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Horne

Weather Conditions

The pitch at the Basin Reserve has favored batsmen this season. The ball comes on nicely to the bat as the pitch is hard and generates good bounce. Seam bowlers might get some help in the first few overs.
Light showers are expected on the day of the game in Wellington so we may have a truncated game. However, the weather should be sunny and breezy for most of the day.  

Venue Details

The average first innings score at the Basin Reserve in the last three games of the tournament has been 173. Expect another high-scoring game here with the team batting first having the advantage as the teams chasing on this venue have lost the last three matches. A score of 180-190 batting first could well be a match-winning one.

Toss: To Bat

Teams batting first have found more success at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. In a big game like the final, the team which wins the toss is almost certain to bat first.