Final – Northern Brave vs Canterbury Kings Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Northern Brave vs Canterbury Kings taking place? Northern Brave vs Canterbury Kings will take place on Saturday 29th January, 2022 at 01:40 (UK)
Where is Northern Brave vs Canterbury Kings taking place? Northern Brave vs Canterbury Kings will take place at Seddon Park in Hamilton
What is the expected weather for Northern Brave vs Canterbury Kings? 24c dry with light cloud and a gentle breeze
Where can I get tickets for Northern Brave vs Canterbury Kings? Click here to buy tickets for Northern Brave vs Canterbury Kings
What TV channel is Northern Brave vs Canterbury Kings on in the UK? Northern Brave vs Canterbury Kings will be televised live on BT Sport
Where can I stream Northern Brave vs Canterbury Kings? BT Sport subscribers can stream Northern Brave vs Canterbury Kings live on the BT Sport Player & app
THE TEAM NEWS
NORTHERN BRAVE
- After finishing top of the Super Smash league table with eight wins from ten matches played, Northern Brave secured automatic qualification to the final and have not tasted defeat since all the way back on December 12th of last year.
- New Zealand international Trent Boult and Tim Southee help compliment an extremely dangerous Northern Brave bowling attack, with wicketkeeper Tim Seifert expected to open the batting, whilst Colin de Grandhomme and Mitchell Santner help form a potentially explosive middle order.
CANTERBURY KINGS
- Chasing 191 runs in the Elimination Final to beat reigning champions Wellington Firebirds, Canterbury Kings reached their target with six wickets and three balls remaining, booking this showdown with Northern Brave.
- Matt Henry took two wickets for the Kings in that match and his fast bowling will no doubt prove crucial in this one, as will the availability of Daryl Mitchell, who did not have the impact he would have wanted against the Firebirds, but has shown his class on the big occasions, namely for New Zealand against England in last year’s T20 World Cup semi-final.
THE PREDICTION
These two teams have faced off twice already in the group stage, the Brave triumphing on both occasions and they head into this Super Smash final as favourites having won each of their last eight games, dominating throughout the competition so far. However, Canterbury have pushed them close in the past, particularly in that memorable contest just before Christmas when Trent Boult’s six off the final ball saw Northern Brave win by one wicket in a thriller. Should this match have half the entertainment of that one, then we’ll be set for a memorable final.
Key will be the threat of Henry with the ball for Canterbury Kings, and the Northern Brave batters will need to play him carefully, whilst with the bat both Mitchell and Tom Latham offer a significant top order threat for the Kings. However, Northern Brave contain more strength-in-depth within their batting down the order, even if they don’t boast a player of Mitchell’s class at the top of the order. The likes of Santner in particular helps balance the side, whilst their bowling unit looks outstanding on paper with Boult providing pace, Southee variations and Sodhi spin. It is this bowling attack that will likely be the catalyst for Northern Brave to take that final step and overcome Canterbury Kings in this final, therefore winning their third Super Smash title.
