Central Stags vs Northern Brave Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Central Stags vs Northern Brave taking place? Central Stags vs Northern Brave will take place on Thursday 30^th December, 2021 at 01:40 (UK)

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

What is the expected weather for Central Stags vs Northern Brave? 20-21c dry with sunny intervals and a fresh breeze

Where can I get tickets for Central Stags vs Northern Brave? Click here to buy tickets for Central Stags vs Northern Brave

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

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

THE TEAM NEWS

CENTRAL STAGS

• After falling to a four-wicket defeat courtesy of Auckland Aces this past Monday, Central Stags need to pick themselves up quickly to give themselves a chance here against a strong Northern Brave side.
• Key to the Stags’ victories so far this campaign has been the strength of their batting, with opener Grey Hay and middle order hitting Josh Clarkson impressing over the course of the competition.

NORTHERN BRAVE

• League leaders Northern Brave were last in action just before Christmas in one of the most memorable matches in the history of the Super Smash which saw tail-ender Trent Boult hit the six required off the final delivery for his side to win the game.
• Boult won’t be available for the Brave in this fixture with him featuring for New Zealand in their upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, although Ish Sodhi should feature having not been called up, alongside wicket-keeper Tim Seifert.

THE PREDICTION

The absence of Boult will weaken Northern Brave from a bowling perspective, alongside his experience in the field, however they have proven themselves already as an all-round strong outfit and Tom Bruce’s side are in for a tough test here. However, the batting of Central Stags appears to be their better suit and on what is expected to be a good batting surface against the Brave, it would be no surprise if the Stags fire with the willow in this match. With that in mind, backing the Stags to pull off somewhat of a surprise victory may well be a shrewd play.