Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings taking place? Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings will take place on Friday 31^st December, 2021 at 01:40 (UK)

Where is Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings taking place? Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings will take place at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth

What is the expected weather for Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings? 21c, dry with sunny intervals and a fresh breeze

Where can I get tickets for Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings? Click here to buy tickets for Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings

What TV channel is Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings on in the UK? Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings will be televised live on BT Sport

Where can I stream Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings? BT Sport subscribers can stream Central Stags vs Canterbury Kings live on the BT Sport Player & app

THE TEAM NEWS

CENTRAL STAGS

• Central Stags have suffered somewhat of a dip recently having lost their last two Super Smash fixtures, including most recently against Northern Brave and with less than a day between that match and this clash with Canterbury Kings, the Stags have the opportunity to immediately put things right.
• Spin-bowler Ajaz Patel failed to take a wicket and bowled at an economy rate of over 12 runs per over, capping off a difficult week for the 33-year-old who was not named in New Zealand’s recently announced Test squad and he’ll be desperate to put in a far improved showing this time round.

CANTERBURY KINGS

• After coming out the wrong end of a thriller with Northern Brave, Canterbury Kings bounced back well with a comprehensive 36-run Boxing Day victory over Otago Volts at the Hagley Oval.
• Following the departure of fast bowler Matt Henry and batter Henry Nicholls, the Kings’ starting line-up will be significantly weakened and it remains to be seen how badly this affects them.

THE PREDICTION

A close contest looks to be on the cards between two teams fairly well matches and it will be interesting to see how Central Stags cope with such a fast turnaround between fixtures compared to Canterbury Kings, who have had four days of rest between their most recent Super Smash encounter and this match. It cannot be understated how critical a factor the loss of both Henry and Nicholls is likely to prove from a Kings perspective, with Henry having been in excellent form and Nicholls off the back of 49 not out against the Volts last time out. Therefore, the shrewd play in this one is backing Central Stags to capitalise and edge out Canterbury.