Wellington Firebirds vs Otago Volts, The Ford Trophy 2022, Today Match Prediction 01 February 2023

wf vs ov Match Prediction & Analysis

Host Wellington will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on Otago in the 26th match of the 2022-23 The Ford Trophy played at Basin Reserve in Wellington on Wednesday.

In the previous match, Wellington were completely outplayed by Auckland in all three departments. Skipper Troy Johnston will be hoping that the side can put in an improved batting performance in this home fixture.

On the other hand, Otago suffered seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Northern Knights. Captain Hamish Rutherford will be hoping that the side can learn from their mistakes and make a strong comeback in this fixture.

In a game played earlier this season, Wellington registered a comprehensive 110-run win over Otago.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Wellington Firebirds Preview

In the batting department, the side will be relying on the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Nick Kelly, Troy Johnson, Callum MacLachlan, and Luke Georgeson to deliver the bulk of the runs.

In the previous game, Luke Georgeson and Rachin Ravindra got the side off to a decent start and added 75 runs for the opening wicket.

Luke Georgeson showcased decent form with the bat for Wellington and scored half-century off 83 balls, whereas Rachin Ravindra scored 30 runs off 35 balls.

Besides the openers, the likes of Nathan Smith, Nick Kelly, Callum McLachlan and Peter Younghusband registered double-digit scores to see Wellington score 219 runs in 49.4 overs.

In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the likes of Logan van Beek, Michael Snedden, Ollie Newton and Peter Younghusband to deliver crucial breakthroughs.

With 15 wickets to his name, Logan Van Beek is currently leading wicket-taker for Wellington in this year’s competition

Wellington Firebirds Predicted Playing XI:

Troy Johnson (c), Nathan Smith, Luke Georgeson, Rachin Ravindra, Jakob Bhula, Nick Kelly, Logan van Beek, Callum McLachlan (wk), Ollie Newton, Peter Younghusband, Michael Snedden

Otago Volts Preview

In the batting department, the side will be depending on the likes of Hamish Rutherford, Dean Foxcroft, Dale Phillips, Josh Finnie, Max Chu and Nick Kwant to deliver the bulk of the runs.

In the previous match, captain Hamish Rutherford played well for Otago and scored 57 runs off 88 balls with the help of two fours and two sixes. Besides Rutherford, Dale Phillips scored 41 runs off 56 balls with the help of two boundaries, whereas Dean Foxcroft chipped in with 30 runs off 58 balls.

In the bowling department, the side will be depending on the likes of Josh Finnie, Matthew Bacon, Michael Rae, Ben Lockrose and Travis Muller to deliver crucial breakthroughs.

Otago Volts Predicted Playing XI:

Hamish Rutherford (c), Max Chu (wk), Dean Foxcroft, Dale Phillips, Josh Finnie, Nick Kwant, Jake Gibson, Travis Muller, Ben Lockrose, Matthew Bacon, Michael Rae

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

With thundery showers expected for Wednesday’s match, the wicket prepared for the game might have some moisture in the wicket. The quick bowlers will get some lateral movement off the surface.

Venue Details

Basin Reserve in Wellington is going to host the 26th match of the 2022-23 The Ford Trophy between Wellington and Otago.

Toss: To Bat

Both the sides will be looking to win the toss, bat first and post a competitive total on the board.  The previous couple of matches played at Wellington have been won by side batting first.