AUK vs OTG Prediction, Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips: Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update – Plunket Shield 2020-21, Round 1

Match Details:

The 3rd match in Round 1 of the Plunket Shield 2020-21 will be played between Auckland Aces and Otago Volts at the Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland.

The match is scheduled to start at 10:30 AM local Time (3:00 AM IST) (09:30 PM UTC – 19 September 2020).

Preview:

Auckland and Otago finished 3^rd and 4^th respectively last time around in the Plunket Shield. Both the teams sailed a similar boat with two wins from six games. However, they will be looking to get off to a positive start this time around. The main objective in this match-up for both the teams will be to get their combinations bang-on.

Should this happen, it will hold them in good stead for the remainder of the tournament. The teams stand pretty much equal on paper in terms of the squad depth and strength. Thus, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top on Monday.

AUK vs OTG Weather Report Match 3:

The weather at Auckland for the game on Monday has been posing some interesting questions. There is expected to be a significant amount of cloud cover which means an increase in chances of rain. Days 2 and 3 might witness rain interruptions. The temperatures will be hovering around 20°C for the majority of the game on Day 1.

Pitch Condition/Report:

Since this will be the first game at this venue this season, the behaviour of the pitch remains a mystery. However, one can expect the spinners to come into play in the later stages of the game with the ball swinging on the first day.

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

AUK vs OTG Today’s Probable Playing XIs:

Auckland Aces:

Robert O’Donnell (c), Graeme Beghin, Mark Chapman, Danru Ferns, Martin Guptill/Will Somerville, Ben Horne, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Lister, Glenn Phillips, Ollie Pringle, Sean Solia

Bench:

Will Somerville/Martin Guptill

Otago Volts:

Hamish Rutherford, Michael Rippon, Mitch Renwick (wk), Nathan G Smith, Jacob Duffy (c), Travis Muller, Michael Rae, Matthew Bacon, Michael Rippon, Max Chu, Anaru Kitchen

Bench:

Dean Foxcroft

AUK vs OTG Top Picks for Today’s Dream11 Match:

Mark Chapman was the leading run-scorer for Auckland last time around. The left-handed batsman amassed 432 runs from 7 innings with a highest of 146. He averaged around 64 and was a key player in the batting order of Auckland.

Michael Rippon put on an impressive all-round show for Otago last season. He amassed 364 runs from 7 innings with a highest of 98 and at an average of 72.80. He also managed to pick up 12 wickets in the process with the ball.

Jacob Duffy led from the front last season and was the leading wicket-taker for his team with 22 wickets to his credit. He bowled at a decent average of 22.90.

Ben Horne is another important player for the Auckland Aces. He amassed 273 runs from 9 innings at an average of 45.50. He will look to better his record this time around.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – Mark Chapman, Michael Rippon

Vice-Captain Options – Jacob Duffy, Ben Horne

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for  vs  Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Glenn Phillips, Ben Horne

Batters – Robert O’Donnell, Hamish Rutherford, Graeme Beghin

All-Rounders – Sean Solia, Mark Chapman (C), Anaru Kitchen

Bowlers – Ben Lister, Jacob Duffy (VC), Michael Rippon

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for  vs  Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Glenn Phillips, Ben Horne (VC)

Batters – Robert O’Donnell, Hamish Rutherford, Graeme Beghin

All-Rounders – Sean Solia, Mark Chapman, Anaru Kitchen

Bowlers – Ben Lister, Michael Rippon (C), Michael Rae

Expert Advice:

Since the behaviour of the pitch is expected to remain a mystery until the start of play, it is advisable to go with at least 3 all-rounders.

Today’s AUK vs OTG Probable Winners:

Auckland are expected to win this match.

Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided in our Telegram channel if the information is available.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.