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The Super Smash 2024-25 is nearing its conclusion, and the 25th match will see the Northern Brave take on the Otago Volts at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, this Saturday. Both teams are vying for a playoff spot, making this game crucial. The Volts are currently second on the table with 18 points but have lost their last three games, while the Brave, in fourth with 16 points, are in better form and will look to capitalize on Otago’s struggles.
Match Details
| Match | Northern Brave vs Otago Volts, Match 25 |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, January 27, 2024 |
| Time | 7:10 PM Local / 6:10 PM GMT |
| Venue | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui |
Teams Preview
Northern Brave
Northern Brave has had a mixed campaign with three wins, two losses, and two abandoned matches due to rain. Despite dropping to fourth place, they have looked sharp in recent games and defeated Otago in their last encounter. They’ll aim to carry that momentum into this game to secure a spot in the top three.
Katene D Clarke has been the backbone of their batting lineup, with 249 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 145. Joe Carter (181 runs, SR 152) and Robert O’Donnell have provided valuable support in the middle order. The team will need these players to fire again against Otago’s disciplined bowling attack.
Bowling has been a mixed bag for the Brave. Clarke, though effective with seven wickets, has been expensive (economy 10.70). However, Neil Wagner and Frederick Walker have been reliable, claiming seven and six wickets, respectively. With support from the experienced Mitchell Santner, the Brave’s bowling attack will look to restrict Otago’s strong batting lineup.
Key Strength: Strong top order and experienced bowling attack.
Challenge: Containing Otago’s explosive batting lineup.
Predicted XI:
Joe Carter, Katene D Clarke, Ben Pomare (wk), Robert O’Donnell, Mitchell Santner, Brett Hampton, Jeet Raval (c), Kristian Clarke, Neil Wagner, Frederick Walker, Matthew Fisher
Otago Volts
The Otago Volts have been consistent for most of the season but have stumbled recently, losing three consecutive games. Their latest defeat came against Auckland, where they failed to chase down 198, managing only 128 runs. Despite this, they remain in the top two and will aim to break their losing streak in this crucial fixture.
Max Chu has been the standout performer with 228 runs at a blistering strike rate of 158.33, supported by Dale Phillips (206 runs, SR 157.25). The middle order, featuring Llew Johnson and Glenn Phillips, adds firepower, while Dean Foxcroft has been a reliable all-round contributor.
In the bowling department, Andrew Hazeldine leads with 11 wickets at an economy of 7.96. He will need support from Ben Lockrose and Foxcroft, who have 18 wickets combined. Otago’s bowlers will need to be at their best against Northern Brave’s in-form batters.
Key Strength: Explosive batting order with depth.
Challenge: Regaining confidence after three consecutive losses.
Predicted XI:
Dale Phillips, Jamal Todd, Glenn Phillips, Dean Foxcroft, Llew Johnson, Max Chu (wk), Luke Georgeson (c), Ben Lockrose, Andrew Hazeldine, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Bacon
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Katene D Clarke (C) | Batter |
| Joe Carter | Batter |
| Max Chu (WK) | Batter |
| Glenn Phillips | Batter |
| Dale Phillips | Batter |
| Mitchell Santner | All-rounder |
| Dean Foxcroft (VC) | All-rounder |
| Andrew Hazeldine | Bowler |
| Neil Wagner | Bowler |
| Ben Lockrose | Bowler |
| Frederick Walker | Bowler |
Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Report
The Bay Oval offers a balanced surface that favors stroke play, especially under lights. Fast bowlers will find assistance early on, with bounce and seam movement available, while batters can capitalize once settled. The average first-innings score at this venue is 155, but teams batting second have had the upper hand, winning 12 out of 18 domestic T20 games. Spinners may struggle, as the pitch offers limited turn.
A target of 170-180 will be competitive, with teams likely opting to chase due to dew in the second innings.
Weather Conditions
The weather forecast for Mount Maunganui indicates cloudy skies, with a chance of heavy rain late in the evening. Temperatures will hover around 19-21°C, and humidity levels will be high. Teams should prepare for potential interruptions, making the toss crucial.
Toss Prediction
Winning the toss, teams will likely bowl first to exploit early seam movement and dew advantage later.
Winning Prediction
The Northern Brave are in better form and recently defeated the Otago Volts, giving them a psychological edge. However, the Volts have the quality and depth to bounce back if their key players step up.
Prediction: Northern Brave to win.
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