Northern Knights vs Auckland Aces | Seventh Match Preview, Predictions, Fantasy XI.
As we progress further in the Super Smash 2020-21, we should expect matches to get more exciting and entertaining. The Northern Knights will face the Auckland Aces in the 7th match at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The recent matches scheduled at the Hamilton have been either abandoned without the toss or after some overs played.
The Northern Knights, the home team, will need to improve on their previous performances if they are to win their first game of the season. They'll be overjoyed that key bowlers Trent Boult and Ish Sodhi have been re-inducted into the squad for this match. So far, they've played two games, both against the Otago Volts.
The first game in Hamilton was called off after 13 overs of Knights batting, while the second game in Dunedin was a nail-biter, with the Knights losing by 3 wickets with 2 balls to spare. The Knights were put in to bat by Otago in that match, and they only managed to score 146/8 in their 20 overs. Katene Clarke smashed 49 runs off 37 balls, including six fours and a six. Aside from KateneClarke, no other batters were skilled enough to score big runs.
Their bowling, particularly Anurag Verma, helped them reclaim the match, as he took two wickets for 22 runs in four overs. He also bowled a brilliant 19th over, allowing only 4 runs and taking those crucial 2 wickets. Matthew Fisher and Fredrick Walker each took two wickets without committing too many errors.
However, New Zealand international Scott Kuggeleijn's line and lengths were not up to par, as he gave a crucial six to Max Chu in the second ball of the 20th over, where he had 10 runs to defend. Despite getting a wicket early in his spell, he gave up 51 runs in only 3.4 overs, which was the difference between Otago and Knights winning.
The Auckland Aces, on the other hand, are playing their first match of the tournament against the most successful team in New Zealand's domestic circuit. They are the latecomers, but with their performances, they will try to become late and latest. They have the services of Martin Guptill, a destructive opener, and Lockie Ferguson, the quickest New Zealand bowler. They'll be eager to get started on the right foot.
Match Details
Northern Knights vs Auckland Aces - 7th Match
Date and Time: December 17, 2021, 11:10 AM IST
Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton
Broadcast: Fan Code
Pitch Report
The Seddon Park pitch generally assists the batters with an average score of 160 batting first. But there will be a nice covering of grass which keeps the even bounce as it might help the seamers early on. The toss winning captain will have a decision to make as it is good both for chasing as well as setting total.
Weather Conditions
According to the weather forecasts, it will be cloudy throughout the match and will have some rain interruptions as well.
Probable Playing XI
Northern Knights
Katene Clarke, Tim Seifert (wk), Jeet Raval (c), Henry Cooper, Colin de Grandhomme, Joe Carter, Scott Kuggeleijn, Anurag Verma, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Matthew Fisher.
Auckland Aces
Martin Guptill, Sean Solia, George Worker, Mark Chapman, Robert O’Donnell (c), Ben Horne (wk), Ben Lister, Adithya Ashok, Lockie Ferguson, Louis Delport, Danru Ferns.
CE Fantasy XI
Katene Clarke, Jeet Raval, Henry Cooper, Scott Kuggeleijn, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, George Worker, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Louis Delport
Captain - Martin Guptill
Vice-Captain - Tim Seifert
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