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The fourth match of the Men’s Super Smash 2024/25 pits table-toppers Otago Volts against Central Stags at Molyneux Park, Alexandra. Otago Volts are riding high with 6 points from their two games, while Central Stags are set to play their first match of the season. Both teams have a history of thrilling contests, and this clash promises to be another exciting encounter.
Match Details
| Fixture | Otago Volts vs Central Stags |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, December 31, 2024 |
| Venue | Molyneux Park, Alexandra |
| Time | 7:00 PM (Local Time) |
| Format | T20, Super Smash 2024/25 |
Team Previews
Otago Volts
The Otago Volts have been one of the standout teams in this season’s Super Smash. They began with a narrow 10-run victory over Canterbury before their next match against Auckland was abandoned due to rain. The Volts have shown excellent form, both with bat and ball, making them favorites in this game.
Skipper Max Chu has led from the front, scoring 82 runs in just two innings at a blistering strike rate of 178.26. Dean Foxcroft, while not making big scores with the bat, has been phenomenal with the ball, taking six wickets at an economy of just 5.
The Volts will rely on Dale Phillips, Llew Johnson, and Dean Foxcroft to carry their batting responsibilities, while the bowling attack spearheaded by Andrew Hazeldine, Ben Lockrose, and Matthew Bacon looks in excellent form.
Central Stags
Central Stags will look to start their Super Smash campaign on a high after a lackluster performance last season. Dane Cleaver, their leading run-scorer from the previous season with 281 runs, will be the key batter alongside skipper Tom Bruce. All-rounder Doug Bracewell adds depth to both batting and bowling departments, while the bowling unit will rely heavily on Jayden Lennox and Blair Tickner for breakthroughs.
The Stags’ batting lineup has firepower, but their bowling unit might lack the experience to trouble a confident Volts side. Adjusting quickly to match conditions will be crucial for the Stags.
Team Squads
| Otago Volts | Central Stags |
|---|---|
| Dale Phillips | Curtis Heaphy |
| Jamal Todd | Jack Boyle |
| Llew Johnson | Dane Cleaver (wk) |
| Dean Foxcroft | Tom Bruce (c) |
| Leo Carter | William Clark |
| Max Chu (c & wk) | Blair Tickner |
| Ruben Clinton | Jayden Lennox |
| Ben Lockrose | Joey Field |
| Andrew Hazeldine | Ewald Schreuder |
| Matthew Bacon | Ajaz Patel |
| Mason Clarke | Toby Findlay |
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Max Chu (C) |
| Batsman | Dane Cleaver |
| Batsman | Tom Bruce (VC) |
| All-Rounder | Dean Foxcroft |
| All-Rounder | Doug Bracewell |
| All-Rounder | Llew Johnson |
| Wicketkeeper | Max Chu |
| Bowler | Andrew Hazeldine |
| Bowler | Jayden Lennox |
| Bowler | Matthew Bacon |
| Bowler | Blair Tickner |
Pitch Report
Molyneux Park offers a balanced pitch with good bounce, enabling batters to score freely. Seamers are likely to get some early movement under overcast conditions, and spinners can find assistance as the game progresses. A score of around 154-160 is par on this surface.
Toss Prediction: Batting second has historically been advantageous at this venue. Expect the winning captain to opt for fielding first.
Weather Report
The weather in Alexandra is expected to be pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C. No rain is forecast, ensuring uninterrupted play.
Match Prediction
Otago Volts, with their all-around strength and current form, appear favorites to clinch this contest. Central Stags will need a strong team effort to challenge the table-toppers.
Prediction: Otago Volts to win.
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