Wellington Firebirds vs Otago Volts, Super Smash 2018/19, Today Match Prediction 28 Dec 2018

wf vs ov Match Prediction & Analysis

Wellington Firebirds will be desperate to return to form when they will face Otago Volts in the 5th match of the Super Smash competition in Wellington on Friday.  Wellington Firebirds will need to make amends of their mistakes made in the game played against Northern Knights.

Their previous game against Auckland Aces was abandoned due to torrential rains across Eden Park. Wellington Skipper Hamish Bennett will be hoping to turn things around with the bat and ball.

On the other hand, Otago Volts will be confident of doing well after beating Canterbury Kings by five wickets in a game played on Monday. Captain Jacob Duffy will be hoping that the side can put in a good performance in this game.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Wellington Firebirds Preview

Wellington is currently languishing at the bottom of the league table after two games played so far in the competition.

Hamish Bennett-led unit will need to improve their bowling after conceding a lot of runs in their first game of the competition.

The bowling lineup will certainly come under the spotlight after conceding over 200 runs against Northern Knights.

Opener Devon Conway delivered with the bat in the first game of the Super Smash played against Northern Knights.

The batting is led by names such as Michael Bracewell, Adam Hose, James Neesham and Tom Blundell. Players like Blundell and Neesham will need to raise their game in order to help Wellington break their winless streak.

In the bowling department, pacers Ollie Newton will need to improve after conceding a lot of runs in the first game. James Neesham and Luke Woodcock are premier options with the ball for Wellington. Hamish Bennett was standout bowler for Wellington in the previous game against Northern Knights.

Wellington Firebirds Predicted Playing XI:

Hamish Bennett(Captain), Tom Blundell(wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Adam Hose, James Neesham, Michael Pollard, Malcolm Nofal, Luke Woodcock, Ollie Newton, Jeetan Patel

Otago Volts Preview

On the other hand, Otago got off to a perfect start in the competition after comfortably brushing Canterbury Kings by five wickets.

Hamish Rutherford produced a blazing innings of 54 runs against Canterbury and he certainly looked fluent at the crease. Neil Broom also played well and smashed 32 off 18 balls with the help of two sixes.

Anaru Kitchen and Shawn Hicks have been consistent with the bat, chipping with valuable contributions in the previous game.

In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the likes Jack Hunter and Jacob Duffy to provide crucial breakthroughs with the new-ball. Anaru Kitchen also produced tidy spell against Canterbury. Medium pacer Christi Viljeon also claimed two wickets in the previous game played against Canterbury.

Otago Volts Predicted Playing XI:

Jacob Duffy (Captain), Neil Broom, Anaru Kitchen, Hamish Rutherford, Shawn Hicks, Mitch Renwick (wk), Michael Rippon, Josh Finnie, Nathan Smith, Christi Viljeon, Jack Hunter

Weather Conditions

The pitch prepared for the game is going to be belter. The previous game between Sri Lanka and New Zealand saw a lot of runs scored in the game. The weather forecast for Friday is partly cloudy skies.

Venue

The Basin Reserve, Wellington has historically witnessed a good contest between bat and ball. Certainly, it is going to be tough for bowlers to contain the batsmen given the placid nature of pitch in recent times.

Toss: To Bat

The side that wins the toss will be looking to put runs on the board. Wellington will certainly have an advantage as they know the conditions at the ground.