So we are just two games away from knowing who will be the champion of this year’s Super Smash season. As of now, we have just about one finalist - Northern Knights. But who will play them will be decided from this clash between Canterbury Kings and Wellington Firebirds, to be played on January 27, 2022.
These two teams have met twice in the league stage and both of them won one game each. The first time was the opening match of this season where the Firebirds edged past the Kings on the bank of Finn Allen's firecrackers. In the reverse fixture, the Kings took revenge for their previous loss and defeated Firebirds by a comfortable margin of 6 wickets, all thanks to Chad Bowes and Ed Nuttall.
Canterbury are in good shape but they have to put their everything behind them as it will be an elimination final round. One mistake and your hard-earned season will end in no time. They will not look tinker with their winning combination and will go ahead with the same squad that has played the last match. Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, and Cam Fletcher are the key players to look out for.
Wellington have played some good cricket but they are not at their prime. They didn’t perform to their full potential and have been winning matches because of individual brilliance. If they put together a brilliant team performance in addition to that individual brilliance they are a team to beat for sure.
Northern Knights have already qualified for the final, courtesy of finishing on top of the points table. The Knights are waiting at their home ground for their opponents. Who will meet the Northern Knights in the final? Would it be the Firebirds or the Kings? All answers would be tomorrow!
Match Details
Canterbury Kings vs Wellington Firebirds - Elimination Final
Date and Time: January 27, 2022, 4:30 AM IST
Venue: University Oval, Dunedin
Broadcast: Fan Code
Pitch Report
The University Oval pitch is an absolute batting paradise. The average score batting first is high in the 190s. The toss-winnings captain without hesitation needs to chase as the pitch will remain the same throughout the match. But since it is a knock-out fixture the captains may end up getting into two minds before making a decision.
Weather Conditions
The weather is not so good as the forecasts are worth worrying about with some rain around the Elimination Final. But there is enough time to have a game as per forecasts. The sun will have a hide and seek day according to forecasts.
Probable Playing XI
Canterbury Kings
Chad Bowes, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Cole McConchie (c), Leo Carter, Henry Shipley, Cam Fletcher (wk), Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Ed Nuttall, William O’Rourke.
Wellington Firebirds
Finn Allen (wk), Devon Conway, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell (c), Rachin Ravindra, Jimmy Neesham, Nathan Smith, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband, Ben Sears, Hamish Bennett.
CE Fantasy XI
Daryl Mitchell, Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Matt Henry, Cole McConchie, Michael Bracewell
Captain- Tom Latham
Vice-Captain- Devon Conway