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The 2024-25 Super Smash continues with an exciting face-off between Northern Brave and Wellington Firebirds at Seddon Park, Hamilton, this Wednesday. The Brave’s opening match against Auckland Aces was abandoned due to rain, while Wellington is yet to kick off their campaign. Despite a poor season last year, Northern Brave hold the edge in recent head-to-head encounters, while Wellington Firebirds aim to start strong and build momentum.
Match Details
| Fixture | Northern Brave vs Wellington Firebirds |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, 3rd January 2024 |
| Venue | Seddon Park, Hamilton |
| Time | 2:00 PM Local / 1:00 AM GMT |
Teams Preview
Northern Brave
Northern Brave had a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, finishing at the bottom of the table with only two wins in 10 games. The team will be eager to reverse their fortunes under the leadership of Jeet Raval. Raval, the team’s top scorer last season, will need to anchor the innings and set the tone for the rest of the batting order.
Katene Clarke and Brett Hampton will be critical at the top, while seasoned campaigners like Tim Southee and Neil Wagner bring experience to the bowling unit. Brett Hampton’s all-round ability will also be vital for the team. Seddon Park’s surface suits their mix of pace and spin, giving them an opportunity to challenge Wellington.
Key Players: Jeet Raval, Tim Southee, Brett Hampton
Predicted Playing XI:
Katene D Clarke, Joe Carter, Jeet Raval (c), Brett Hampton, Robert O’Donnell, Ben Pomare (wk), Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Tim Seifert, Snehith Reddy, Matthew Fisher
Wellington Firebirds
Wellington Firebirds had a decent run last season, finishing third in the standings before losing to Canterbury in the Eliminator. Despite missing key players like Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, and Michael Bracewell due to international commitments, the Firebirds boast a strong squad.
Nick Kelly, last season’s second-highest run-scorer for the team, will lead the charge with the bat. All-rounders Nathan Smith and Muhammad Abbas will play pivotal roles, providing balance to the side. Among the bowlers, Logan van Beek and Adam Milne will spearhead the attack, supported by Peter Younghusband’s consistent performances.
Key Players: Nick Kelly, Logan van Beek, Adam Milne
Predicted Playing XI:
Tom Blundell (wk), Gareth Severin, Nick Kelly (c), Muhammad Abbas, Nathan Smith, Peter Younghusband, Logan van Beek, Adam Milne, Ben Sears, Zakary Foulkes/Callum McLachlan, Troy Johnson
Fantasy Team XI
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Nick Kelly (c) | Batter |
| Jeet Raval | Batter |
| Katene D Clarke | Batter |
| Brett Hampton (vc) | All-rounder |
| Nathan Smith | All-rounder |
| Muhammad Abbas | All-rounder |
| Tim Southee | Bowler |
| Logan van Beek | Bowler |
| Adam Milne | Bowler |
| Tom Blundell (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Neil Wagner | Bowler |
Pitch Report
Seddon Park offers a balanced wicket with something for both batters and bowlers. While the consistent bounce and short square boundaries make it favorable for stroke-making, pacers are likely to find early assistance with movement. Spinners may play a role as the match progresses.
- Average First Innings Score: 165-170 runs
- Highest Total: 228/6 by Canterbury against Northern Brave
- Toss Prediction: Teams winning the toss may opt to bowl first to capitalize on early movement and potential dew in the second innings.
Weather Conditions
The weather in Hamilton is expected to be cool and breezy, with temperatures around 20°C. Although there will be some cloud cover, rain is unlikely, ensuring a full game.
Winning Prediction
Northern Brave enters this match eager to erase last season’s struggles, while Wellington Firebirds aim to build on their consistent performances from the previous edition. Although both teams have room for improvement, the Firebirds’ balanced squad and experienced bowling lineup make them slight favorites.
Predicted Winner: Wellington Firebirds
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