2020-21 Super Smash – Central Stags vs Northern Knights Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Central Stags vs Northern Knights taking place? Wednesday 30th December, 2020 – 00:40 (UK)
Where is Central Stags vs Northern Knights taking place? Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
Where can I get tickets for Central Stags vs Northern Knights? Ticket information for the Dream11 Super Smash can be found here
What channel is Central Stags vs Northern Knights on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport
Where can I stream Central Stags vs Northern Knights? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
CENTRAL STAGS
- Central Stags lost their opening game to Wellington Firebirds by 39 runs as they fell well short of their opponents’ 175/7 as their run chase came to an end at 136/9 as the frequent loss of wickets cost them dearly.
- They will be with pretty much the same group of players for their next two games but they will be demanding more from their key players especially skipper Tom Bruce who could only muster one run in the opening game.
- Bruce was not the only one disappointed with his performance as Worker, Cleaver, Noema-Barnett, Clarkson and Bracewell will all be desperate to do better and ease the burden on some of their younger players.
NORTHERN KNIGHTS
- Northern Knights make their debut in this year’s Super Smash and after failing to make the play-offs last year, they will be keen to get back competing at the business end of the tournament after reaching the final the previous two years.
- They will be led by Anton Devcich and can boast fellow internationals such as Tim Seifert and Scott Kuggeleijn so they will rely heavily on that trio and Dean Brownlie in what is otherwise a relatively young-looking team.
- They have named a trio of potential debutants in their 12-man squad for this game as Henry Cooper, Katene Clarke and Fred Walker will all be hoping to be named in the starting eleven for this opener.
THE PREDICTION
Central Stags and Northern Knights face off in what should be a close-fought game in the Super Smash. The Stags were under-par in their opening match as their key men failed to perform with the ball and then the bat. They play against the Knights who have some international star power but then a series of youngsters. Much will depend if some of their key men can hit the ground running but they will surely see an improved Stags team who were particularly poor in their opening game. They have the quality to play much better but they come up against the likes of Seifert and Kuggeleijn who have been in good form of late for the Blackcaps. The marginal preference is for the Stags but this could really go either way.
