Super Smash 2018-19, Match 1: Northern Knights vs Wellington Firebirds – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips

The Northern Knights will start their title defence of the Super Smash at the Seddon Park in Hamilton where they thrashed Central Stags in the final of the 2017/18 season by nine wickets. They will start the new campaign against the Wellington Firebirds, who finished third last time around. The Northern Districts team have faced a tough fight from the Wellington over the last couple of seasons in the shortest format.

Though the head to head record between the two sides is level at 2-2, the two wins of the Knights over the Firebirds have been by seven runs and one run respectively in 2016 and 2017. This game is marked to be Mitchell Santner’s return to professional cricket. The left-handed all-rounder will feature for Northern Knights in his first professional game in nine months. He could be seen bowling in tandem with the Blackcaps’ leg-spinner Ish Sodhi after recovering from knee injury.

Match Details:

The 1st match of the Super Smash T20 2018-19 will be played between Northern Knights and Wellington Firebirds at the Seddon Park in Hamilton.

The match starts at 7:00 PM local time (6:00 AM GMT) (11:30 AM IST).

The game will be live on Star Sports Select 1 and Star Sports Select 1 HD. Streaming available on Hotstar.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The Seddon Park in Hamilton was a high scoring one for the batting first sides as the average innings score in the five T20 matches in 2017/18 season was 170+. Teams batting first made 190+ on three occasions in those five matches. The spinners are expected to hold the ball as the game goes through.

Squads:

Northern Knights:

Dean Brownlie (C), Peter Bocock, Anton Devcich, Daniel Flynn, Zak Gibson, Brett Hampton, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Brett Randell, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

Wellington Firebirds:

Hamish Bennett (C), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Adam Hose, Troy Johnson, Jimmy Neesham, Ollie Newton, Malcolm Nofal, Jeetan Patel, Michael Pollard, Ben Sears, Luke Woodcock.

Probable XI:

Northern Knights:

Dean Brownlie (C), Tim Seifert, Anton Devcich, Daniel Flynn, Daryl Mitchell, Peter Bocock, Brett Hampton, Scott Kuggeleijn, Mitchell Santner, Brett Randell, Ish Sodhi.

Wellington Firebirds:

Hamish Bennett (C), Tom Blundell, Michael Pollard, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Adam Hose, Jimmy Neesham, Ollie Newton, Malcolm Nofal, Jeetan Patel, Luke Woodcock.

Power Picks:

Jimmy Neesham amassed 503 runs at 62.87 in the Ford One-Day Trophy with two centuries and three fifties. He followed it with an unbeaten 79 against India A in the unofficial ODI series. Neesham also bagged 13 wickets during the One-Day Cup.

Best Playing XI:

Tim Seifert, Dean Brownlie, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Anton Devcich, Hamish Bennett, Jimmy Neesham, Jeetan Patel, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi.

Risky Playing XI:

Tom Blundell (VC), Devon Conway, Adam Hose, Dean Brownlie, Daniel Flynn, Anton Devcich, Brett Hampton (C), Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Hamish Bennett.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Anton Devcich will be opening the innings and probably be chipping with a few overs with the ball. He will be a direct choice along with the in-form Neesham for multipliers. Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi and Santner are alternatives for the two special options.

Expert Advice:

Tim Seifert would be in most of the teams ahead of Tom Blundell due to his exploits during the last edition of the tournament. With Neesham and Devcich being direct picks in the all-rounders’ category, a gamble must be taken between Mitchell, Hampton and Kuggeleijn.

Probable Winners:

Northern Knights are expected to start their title defence with a comfortable win over the Wellington Firebirds.

*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.

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