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The 7th match of Super Smash Men’s 2024-25 pits Central Stags against Wellington Firebirds at Saxton Oval, Nelson, on 4th January 2025, at 5:10 AM IST. The Stags come into this match riding high after a 7-wicket win in their opening game, while the Firebirds will aim to bounce back from a disappointing loss in their first match.
Wellington Firebirds hold a psychological edge over the Stags, having enjoyed success in recent head-to-head clashes. However, with both teams eager to climb the standings, this promises to be an exciting encounter.
Match Details
| Fixture | Central Stags vs Wellington Firebirds |
|---|---|
| Date | January 4, 2025 |
| Time | 5:10 AM IST |
| Venue | Saxton Oval, Nelson |
Teams Preview
Central Stags Preview
The Central Stags kicked off their season with a commanding victory against Otago. They chased down a target of 155 with seven balls to spare, courtesy of an impressive top-order performance led by Will Young (50 off 37) and finishing touches from Tom Bruce (44* off 19).
The batting lineup looks formidable with Young, Bruce, and Curtis Heaphy forming the core. William Clark and Sam Cassidy add depth, making this unit capable of putting up and chasing down significant totals.
The bowling attack is spearheaded by Blair Tickner, who picked up 3/37 in the previous game. Brett Randell and Jayden Lennox provide variety, with Lennox’s spin likely to play a crucial role on the Saxton Oval surface.
Key Players: Will Young, Tom Bruce, Blair Tickner
Central Stags Predicted Playing XI:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Will Young | Batter |
| Jack Boyle | Batter |
| Curtis Heaphy (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Tom Bruce (c) | Batter |
| William Clark | All-rounder |
| Sam Cassidy | All-rounder |
| Angus Schaw | Bowler |
| Joey Field | Bowler |
| Brett Randell | Bowler |
| Blair Tickner | Bowler |
| Jayden Lennox | Bowler |
Wellington Firebirds Preview
The Firebirds will look to recover from their opening loss to Northern Brave, where they failed to defend a modest total of 160. Despite a strong finish by Nick Greenwood (48 off 30), their top and middle order struggled to make an impact.
Wellington will rely on Nick Kelly and Tom Blundell to anchor the innings, while Troy Johnson and Muhammad Abbas add firepower in the middle. Bowling remains their strong suit with experienced campaigners like Logan van Beek and Peter Younghusband, both capable of turning the game with their spells.
Key Players: Nick Greenwood, Nick Kelly, Logan van Beek
Wellington Firebirds Predicted Playing XI:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Jesse Tashkoff | Batter |
| Tom Blundell (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Nick Kelly (c) | Batter |
| Troy Johnson | Batter |
| Muhammad Abbas | All-rounder |
| Gareth Severin | All-rounder |
| Nick Greenwood | All-rounder |
| Logan van Beek | Bowler |
| Peter Younghusband | Bowler |
| Ian McPeake | Bowler |
| Liam Dudding | Bowler |
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Will Young |
| Vice-Captain | Nick Greenwood |
| Batsmen | Will Young, Nick Kelly, Tom Bruce |
| All-rounders | Curtis Heaphy, Muhammad Abbas, William Clark |
| Wicketkeeper | Tom Blundell |
| Bowlers | Blair Tickner, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband, Jayden Lennox |
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
The Saxton Oval pitch is known for its true bounce and good carry, making it a balanced surface. Batters will find it easier to score once they settle, but bowlers, especially seamers, will enjoy some early assistance. A par score here is expected to be around 180.
Toss: To Bat
All four domestic T20 games at this venue have been won by the team batting first. Expect the captains to opt for batting to put up a competitive total.
Weather Report
The weather in Nelson is expected to be mostly cloudy with chances of showers later in the day. While interruptions are possible, they may not have a significant impact on the game. Temperatures will hover between 11°C and 16°C.
Winning Prediction
Wellington Firebirds need a strong performance from their batting unit to compete in this match. However, the Central Stags, with their in-form batting lineup and balanced bowling attack, appear to have the edge going into the game.
Prediction: Central Stags to win the match.
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