2020-21 Super Smash Preliminary Final – Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings taking place? Wednesday 10th February, 2021 – 23:00 (UK)
Where is Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings taking place? Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland
Where can I get tickets for Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings? Ticket information for the Dream11 Super Smash can be found here
What channel is Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport
Where can I stream Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
CENTRAL STAGS
- The Central Stags come into this game having beaten opponents Canterbury Kings last weekend to leapfrog them and move into second place and they will look to that 30-run win to give them confidence ahead of this preliminary final.
- Batting first, the Stags posted a strong total of 183/6 and veteran Ross Taylor finally found form by smashing 65 form 36 balls so his return to form only strengthens what is a formidable looking batting line-up.
- They have no new injury concerns coming into this key game so there is every chance they will name the same eleven that beat the Kings last weekend as they look to progress to the final.
CANTERBURY KINGS
- Canterbury Kings come into this crunch match with relatively poor form having lost three of their last four games and they will have to pick themselves up following their loss at the hands of the Stags last time out.
- While their bowling unit led by Matt Henry remains competitive, their batting has struggled to compete and they will need their top order to raise their game rather than solely rely on big contributions from key men such as Daryl Mitchell and Cole McConchie.
- Their team is extremely settled and it is hard to see them making any changes to their line-up from the one that lost to the Stags last weekend although they may consider some tactical adjustments as they look to avenge that loss.
THE PREDICTION
Central Stags and Canterbury Kings meet in the preliminary final as they compete to face the Wellington Firebirds in the final this weekend and it promises to be a close-fought game. The two teams met last weekend and it was the Stags who emerged victorious by 30 runs just as they did earlier in the tournament. The Kings are under some pressure to improve significantly if they are to get the win here and they desperately need their batting unit to find some form. That has been their weakness throughout the tournament unlike the Stags who possess one of the best line-ups in the tournament. Barring a drastic improvement, everything points towards the Stags overpowering them for a third time in this edition of the Super Smash.
