Wellington Firebirds vs Canterbury Kings, SS T20 2021, Today Match Prediction 19 December 2021

wf vs ck Match Prediction & Analysis

Wellington Firebirds and Canterbury Kings have had similar fortunes in the Super Smash 2021-22 so far. Both have played 2 games each with one loss and one win. While Canterbury is in the 3rd position with a net run rate of +0.500, Wellington is a close 4th with +0.325. They will now face off against each other at Basin Reserve.

The two sides teams have met once earlier in the season and Wellington emerged victorious in that encounter. As the home side, Wellington will have a slight advantage in this match but Canterbury will be high on confidence as well after a solid win in their last game. Make sure to choose from our list of best betting apps for India to place your bets on this game!

TEAMS PREVIEW

Wellington Firebirds Preview

Wellington Firebirds started the new season with a thumping 27-run win against Canterbury. However, they lost their next game at home against Central Stags. While chasing a target of 191, the Firebirds could only reach 176-7. That loss was the result of the failure of the top order. Only Troy Johnson (54 off 46 balls) and Logan van Beek (61* off 33 balls) put them in the game somewhat. However, they wouldn’t be too worried. Finn Allen, Luke Georgeson, and Nick Greenwood are proven performers and can come good any time. Moreover, it bodes well for them that their lower order is already in some hitting form.

Hamish Bennett is Wellington’s main bowler and the team will count on him to deliver again. He’s looked in a good rhythm so far and has taken 3 wickets in 2 matches. Logan van Beek continues to be reliable as well while leg-spinner Peter Younghusband has been economical. Their only worry is Nathan Smith who has gone for over 10 runs an over in both the games.
 

Wellington Firebirds Predicted Playing XI:

Finn Allen (wk), Luke Georgeson, Nick Greenwood, Troy Johnson, Nathan Smith, Tim Robinson, Jamie Gibson, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband, Ben Sears, Hamish Bennett (c)

Wellington Firebirds Actual Playing XI:

Finn Allen, Logan van Beek, Nathan Smith, Luke Georgeson, Hamish Bennett, Jamie Gibson, Peter Younghusband, Michael Bracewell, Ben Sears, Tim Robinson, Troy Johnson

Canterbury Kings Preview

After losing their first match against Wellington, Canterbury Kings made a fine comeback in their next game against table-toppers Central Stags. On batting first, they posted a healthy 172-8 on the board and then bowled out the Stags for just 125 runs. The star for them was captain Cole McConchie who led from the front with a smashing knock of 84 off 54 balls. 

The bowlers then did a terrific job of restricting a strong batting unit. Matt Henry’s incredible spell of 3-11 from 4 overs broke their back while leg-spinner Todd Astle (2-13 off 4 overs) choked them further. They also have Ed Nuttall who is looking really good while captain McConchie too delivers a few good overs in the middle.

Canterbury’s only concern is that their openers Chad Bowes and Ken McClure haven’t got going yet. Cam Fletcher too needs to make a contribution soon.
 

Canterbury Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Chad Bowes, Ken McClure, Leo Carter, Cole McConchie (c), Cam Fletcher (wk), Mitchell Hay, Matthew Hay, Matt Henry, Todd Astle, Will Williams, Ed Nuttall

Canterbury Kings Actual Playing XI:

Matt Henry, Leo Carter, Todd Astle, Henry Shipley, Chad Bowes, Cameron Fletcher, Ken McClure, Blake Coburn, Cole McConchie, Ed Nuttall, Mitchell Hay

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at Basin Reserve in Wellington has traditionally been really good for batting with some assistance for the seam bowlers early on. However, bowlers would have to really alter their variations wisely or they will be punished.

The weather at Wellington on the day of the match will be windy but pleasant. The winds might help the seam bowlers early on. 

Venue Details

In the last match at Basin Reserve, between Central Stags and Wellington, the Stags amassed 190-4 after batting first while Wellington managed 176-7. Expect another high-scoring encounter here in this game. Scores between 170 and 189 have been achieved 7 times here while there have also been 4 totals in excess of 190. The team batting first would look to get a total close to 190 runs. 

Toss: To Bat

The team winning the toss is likely to bat first as teams who bat first have won 17 of the 29 games on this is a venue.