2020-21 Super Smash – Central Stags vs Wellington Firebirds Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Central Stags vs Wellington Firebirds taking place? Sunday 27th December, 2020 – 06:10 (UK)
Where is Central Stags vs Wellington Firebirds taking place? McLean Park, Napier
Where can I get tickets for Central Stags vs Wellington Firebirds? Ticket information for the Dream11 Super Smash can be found here
What channel is Central Stags vs Wellington Firebirds on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport
Where can I stream Central Stags vs Wellington Firebirds? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
CENTRAL STAGS
- Central Stags were highly disappointed not to make the play-offs last season after finishing fourth with four wins from their ten matches so they will be desperate to do much better this time around with the strong squad at their disposal.
- They are able to count on their key men for this game as Tom Bruce, Doug Bracewell, Kieran Noema-Barnett, Ajaz Patel, Blair Tickner and George Worker are all in the squad for their first game of the 2020/21 Super Smash.
- Seth Rance is a big-name absentee for this game as he has a calf injury while last year’s top runscorer Dane Cleaver is unavailable too so they are not quite at full strength for this opener.
WELLINGTON FIREBIRDS
- Wellington Firebirds got their title defence off to a winning start on Christmas Eve as they edged past the Auckland Aces by four wickets as they chased the target of 177 with five balls to spare.
- Despite missing their internationals, Finn Allen smashed 53 from 23 balls and Troy Johnson guided them home with an unbeaten half century from 44 balls as they managed to produce fireworks without Jimmy Neesham and Devon Conway
- Both Neesham and Conway should both be available to bolster the line-up here and that will improve the batting and bowling attack, although they will be without Tom Blundell who is on international duty.
THE PREDICTION
After winning their opening match, the Firebirds return to action as they make the trip to face the Central Stags here in Napier. They should be able to count on Neesham and Conway who will only add yet more quality to a strong team but the Stags have plenty of quality in their ranks too. It will be interesting to see if the Stags can hit the ground running though it was the Wellington side that won a recent 50-over game between the two. With the Firebirds even stronger than last time out, they have to be favoured with a game under their belts to kick on and win a second consecutive game.
