Wellington Firebirds vs Canterbury Kings, Super Smash 2020-21, Today Match Prediction 25 Jan 2021

wf vs ck Match Prediction & Analysis

In a battle for supremacy the Wellington Firebirds would be taking on the Canterbury Kings in the 23rd game of the Super Smash 2020-21 at their home ground Basin Reserve, Wellington. The Firebirds maintained their supremacy with another convincing win against the Otago Volts in the last game while the Canterbury Kings suffered a massive loss against the Northern Knights. 

The Firebirds have done well in the season winning six out of the seven games they have played. A win here would guarantee them of a place in the elimination round and this would be on the minds of the players. The Kings had won the previous game between the two sides and they shall carry this confidence into this game. With the two sides having players in form this game is likely to be an interesting battle.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Wellington Firebirds Preview

Michael Bracewell’s side has played as a thorough professional unit in this edition so far. After seven games they have lost only one and the side is almost assured of a place in the elimination round. It was an easy win in the end for the side in the last game where they defeated the Otago Volts by 6 wickets. They had lost to the Kings earlier and shall look to restore their pride with a win here. 

Devon Conway has missed out in the last two games and he will look to make amends and offer a good start in company of Finn Allen. The middle order is doing well for the side and the trio of Tom Blundell, Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra have scored runs in the last few games. They will also look for good contributions from Jamie Gibson and Troy Johnson down the order. 

Hamish Bennett and Neesham and van Beek have troubled opponents with the new ball and they will look to do so here in this game. Ben Sears would be high on confidence after his match winning show in the last game. With Peter Younghusband bowling well the side has good variety in the attack where Bracewell and Ravindra bring in lot of experience.

Wellington Firebirds Predicted Playing XI:

Michael Bracewell (c), Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell (wk), Jamie Gibson, Troy Johnson, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband, Ben Sears, Hamish Bennett

Wellington Firebirds Actual Playing XI:

Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Logan van Beek, Ben Sears, Hamish Bennett, PY Husband, Michael Bracewell, Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Troy Johnson, Jamie Gibson

Canterbury Kings Preview

Cole McConchie’s side comes into this game after a big loss against the Northern Knights. They battled poorly to put up only 119 runs on the board and lost the game by 8 wickets in the end. McConchie shall like to put this loss behind and want his side to draw inspiration from their win against the Firebirds earlier in the season. 

Openers Chad Bowes and Ken McClure have been inconsistent and the side would need a good start from them. McConchie, Jack Boyle and Darryl Mitchell will have to play a very important role in the middle order for the side. With Leo Carter and Cam Fletcher having good hitting abilities the side has a decent batting line-up going into this game.

With the new ball the side would be expecting wickets from Ed Nutall and Matt Henry. Being the most experienced bowlers they will have to play an important role here. McConchie, Todd Astle and Will Williams have to bowl tight spells as so far most of them have gone for runs.

Canterbury Kings Predicted Playing XI:

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

Canterbury Kings Actual Playing XI:

Will Williams, Cole McConchie, TD Astle, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, Ed Nuttall, Ken McClure, Chad Bowes, Leo Carter, Jack Boyle, Cameron Fletcher

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The skies over Wellington would be cloudy and this will make the conditions difficult for the batsmen. There is lot of juice on the surface and fast bowlers would enjoy bowling on this surface. The side batting first would be happy with a score of 150 runs that will make it defendable with good bowling.

Venue Details

The pitch at Basin Reserve, Wellington has a lot for the fast bowlers early on in the game and batsmen have to be watchful during the initial overs. The ground is larger as compared to other venues in the country and hence batsmen need to focus on building their innings. This has been a happy hunting ground for spinners in New Zealand.

Toss: To Bowl

In the games player here this season we have seen some assistance for the bowlers early on during the game and the pitch has been better to bat on in the second innings. Both the captains would have this in their minds and are likely to opt for bowling first in this game.