WF vs AA Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s Super Smash 2024-25 Match 20 Between Auckland and Wellington?
Wellington Firebirds to face Auckland Aces in Super Smash [Source: @SuperSmashNZ/X.com, @aucklandcricket/Instagram]
For the 20th match of the Super Smash 2024-25 season, Wellington Firebirds will be up against Auckland Ace. The clash will be held on January 20 at the Basin Reserve starting from 10.55 AM IST.
Wellington Firebirds
The Wellington Firebirds are riding high on momentum, thanks to a stellar win against the Central Stags. Tim Robinson’s current form is proving pivotal, with the batter smashing his second fifty in three matches to set up a solid total in the last game.
Skipper Nick Kelly (57), and Michael Bracewell (20) ensured the Firebirds breached the 180-run mark. The bowling unit, featuring Logan van Beek and Ben Sears, has shown consistent promise. With Muhammad Abbas and Peter Younghusband delivering crucial breakthroughs, the Firebirds look well-equipped to challenge Auckland’s fragile batting lineup.
Auckland Aces
The Auckland Aces find themselves in a slump, having won just one match so far. Their batting struggles were evident in their recent defeat, managing only 139 runs after a middle-order collapse. William O’Donnell and Simon Keane showed glimpses of form with a promising partnership, but consistency has been an issue.
Skipper Sean Solia faces scrutiny for his low strike rate and lack of impactful innings at number three. However, young all-rounder Bevon Jacobs stands out, with a brilliant 90-run knock against Northern Knights. In the bowling department, Danru Ferns and William O’Donnell lead the attack, supported by all-rounders like Simon Keene, Jock McKenzie, and Lachlan Stockpole.
WF vs AA: Head to head
Matches Played | Wellington Won | Auckland Won | No Result |
---|---|---|---|
38 | 14 | 20 | 4 |
How will the Basin Reserve pitch behave?
The Basin Reserve pitch offers a balanced wicket where bowlers often find an edge. In this season, 160-170 runs total have been defended on this pitch. While pacers will slightly dominate the contest, the batters must bat deep to ensure big scores. A competitive total for this game would likely be in the range of 170 runs.
Moreover, fans can expect both pacers and spinners to play crucial roles. The chasing teams have dominated, winning 8 of the last 10 matches at this venue. Hence, with both teams boasting strong bowling lineups, bowling first to exploit early conditions seems the ideal strategy.
Players to watch out for in WF vs AA Match 20
Wellington Firebirds
Tim Robinson: Robinson has been in stellar form this season with 227 runs in four games. He is a reliable opener who lays a solid foundation for the team in the top order.
Nick Kelly: Nick Kelly has amassed 144 runs this season and remains a key to the Firebirds’ batting lineup. His form in the middle order has been instrumental in setting competitive totals for the Firebirds.
Logan van Beek: The all-rounder has taken 8 wickets in 5 matches so far. He is an experienced campaigner who can swing the new ball and get breakthroughs in crunch situations.
Michael Bracewell: Bracewell scored 20 off 8 balls in the last game, providing a finishing flourish. He is also a key pacer in the attack, capable of picking wickets and containing runs.
Auckland Aces
Bevon Jacobs: Jacobs has been Auckland’s highest run scorer with 147 runs in 4 games. He played a sensational knock of 90 runs against Northern Knights and is expected to contribute with both and ball in upcoming games.
Jock McKenzie: McKenzie has taken 9 wickets for Auckland this season. He is a consistent bowling outfit in medium who can deliver economical spells.
Danru Ferns: Ferns has scalped 7 wickets so far and leads the pace attack with his ability to swing the ball and deliver under pressure. His spells will set the tone right for the Firebirds in the upcoming clash.
William O’Donnell: He is an opening batter who can also bowl full spells. He showed a lot of promise in the last game with a steady partnership. His dual abilities make him a vital cog in both batting and bowling departments.
Today's Match Prediction: WF vs AA Match 20
Predicted Top Performers
Wellington Firebirds: Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Michael Bracewell
Auckland Aces: Bevon Jacobs, Jock McKenzie, William O’Donnell
WF vs AA Match 20: Predicted Score
Predicted first innings score: 170-175
Predicted second innings score: 160-170
Predicted Result: The team batting first will likely have an upper hand in this match.