Super Smash 2019-20, Final: Wellington vs Auckland: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The Final of the Super Smash 2019-20 season will be played between Wellington and Auckland at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

The match starts at 4:10 PM local time (3:10 AM GMT) (8:40 AM IST). This game can be viewed on Star Sports Select 1 SD/HD in India. Live streaming available on Hotstar.

Preview for Dream11 Fantasy

Wellington and Auckland will fight it out for the coveted trophy in the final of the ongoing Super Smash 2019-20 season on Sunday. Wellington will host the final as they finished at the top of the points table while Auckland had to beat Otago in the elimination final in the previous game. Interestingly, both the teams have beaten each other once earlier in the competition with Auckland winning the recent clash.

However, the pressure of the final will be completely different and both the teams would be keen to put their best foot forward. Both the sides have some swashbuckling batsmen and it is the battle of the heavyweights in the title clash. No wonder the game is expected to go down the wire with the scores around 180 expected.

Weather Report/Condition

The start of the match is likely to be delayed as showers are predicted in Wellington around 12 PM local time. The dark clouds are also expected to hover over the stadium until 5 PM. However, things might get clear around 6 PM with the sun coming out. We might have a shortened game on our hands.

Pitch Report

The surface at the Basin Reserve has been very good for batting this season. 180 has been crossed in three out of five matches played at the venue. And the pitch for the mega finale is also expected to be a belter for batting. However, overhead conditions might play a crucial role with the rain around as well.

Average first innings score: 173 (In 5 matches played at the venue in Super Smash 2019-20)

Record of the chasing teams: Won – 1; Lost – 4

Injury and Availability:

Jimmy Neesham returns for Wellington after missing the last two matches with a quadricep injury. 

Auckland have named an unchanged 13-man squad which won the elimination final.

Probable Playing XIs:

Wellington

Devon Conway, Michael Pollard, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell (WK), Michael Bracewell (C), James Neesham, Fraser Colson/Jamie Gibson, Peter Younghusband, Logan van Beek, Ollie Newton, Hamish Bennett.

Bench – Ian McPeake, Fraser Colson/Jamie Gibson.

Auckland

Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Craig Cachopa (C), Robert O’Donnell, Ronnie Hira, Ben Horne, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell McClenaghan, Will Somerville.

Bench – Corey Anderson, Ben Lister.

Top Picks

Devon Conway is the highest run-getter of the tournament with 494 runs at an average of 70.57 and the strike-rate of 146.59. Ollie Newton (16 wickets) and Hamish Bennett (14 wickets) are among the top three wicket-takers this season and could be picked in your Dream11 Fantasy side.

Martin Guptill is the top run-scorer for Auckland with 343 runs in nine innings at an average of 42.88 and a strike-rate of 149.13. The likes of Mitchell McClenaghan, Glenn Phillips can also make an impact with their skills for the team and can be picked.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Devon Conway, Martin Guptill, Glenn Phillips

Vice-Captain – James Neesham, Michael Pollard, Mark Chapman

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway (C)

Batters – Martin Guptill (VC), Michael Bracewell, Michael Pollard

All-Rounders – Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra

Bowlers – Mitchell McClenaghan, Ronnie Hira, Hamish Bennett

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Glenn Phillips (C), Tom Blundell

Batters – Colin Munro, Craig Cachopa, Michael Bracewell, Michael Pollard

All-Rounders – Kyle Jamieson, James Neesham (VC)

Bowlers – Ronnie Hira, Will Somerville, Hamish Bennett

Expert Advice

Consider a collapse of the batting first team while making one of your Dream11 Fantasy teams and put in the Grand League contests.

Certain top players have to left out due to credits issue. Try and pick the in-form players and the all-rounders who can earn Fantasy points in both departments of the game.

Probable Winners

It is tough to predict the winner of this match. Though Wellington look strong on paper, Auckland have got the momentum with two consecutive wins.

*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.