2020-21 Super Smash – Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds taking place? Friday 1st January, 2021 – 06:10 (UK)
Where is Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds taking place? Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Where can I get tickets for Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds? Ticket information for the Dream11 Super Smash can be found here
What channel is Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport
Where can I stream Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
NORTHERN KNIGHTS
- Northern Knights fell short in their opening game of the Super Smash as after conceding a mammoth 223 they could only manage 178/9 so they will be looking to make improvements with their bowling especially which was woeful at times.
- There is also plenty of scope for improvement with the bat too as other than skipper Anton Devcich smashed a stunning 102 from 49 balls, no other batsman reached 20 so Devcich will be looking for greater contributions all round.
- They keep faith with the same set of players for this game and they will be hoping for much more from veterans Tim Seifert and Scott Kuggeleijn who were particularly disappointing while spinner Joe Walker will get another chance to impress as he was one bowler who did well under the pressure of the Stags’ onslaught.
WELLINGTON FIREBIRDS
- Wellington Firebirds got their Super Smash title defence off to a strong start as they beat Auckland Aces by four wickets and then eased past the Central Stags by 39 runs last time out to show they are the ones to beat yet again.
- They followed those two victories up with a superb performance against a strong Pakistan A team which saw them bowl the tourists out for just 91 and Conway and Ravindra knocked the run chase off with relative ease in less than ten overs.
- They will almost certainly go with the same set of players for this clash with the Knights given how well they are playing and after being rested against Pakistan A, Neesham, Van Beek and Bennett will all return for this clash.
THE PREDICTION
There have been contrasting starts to the 2020/21 edition of the Super Smash as the Knights were poor in their opening match while the defending champions Wellington Firebirds were exceptional in winning both games so far. It will take some turnaround for the Knights to overcome the Firebirds here who look the most complete team in the tournament in this early stages. They have the players to do that with Seifert, Devcich and Kuggeleijn, but they lack depth in their squad and that is not the case with the Firebirds. Difficult to go against the defending champions unless they are below par and the Knights can find some form.
