Super Smash T20 2018-19, Match 24: Otago Volts vs Wellington Firebirds: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Otago Volts and Wellington Firebirds will lock horns in a crucial Super Smash game in the view of play-offs at the University Oval in Dunedin. For making it to the final three, both Otago and Wellington need to win their remaining three matches. Both the teams have won only two of the seven matches they played but Otago have two points more due to the two washouts they were a part of.

They have not won a game since winning each of their first two matches. However, the return of Neil Broom will surely give the Volts a boost towards the final stages of the league phase. On the other hand, Wellington Firebirds are placed at No.5 among the six teams with ten points in their kitty. The presence of Jimmy Neesham is expected to make a difference for the Firebirds.

Match Details:

The 24th match of the Super Smash T20 2018-19 will be played between Otago Volts and Wellington Firebirds at the University Oval in Dunedin.

The match starts at 4:00 PM local time (3:00 AM GMT) (8:30 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 University Oval in Dunedin has generally been a high-scoring T20 venue. However, the weather has not often helped the cause as quite a lot of matches here have been abandoned while some turned out to be less than 20-overs games. The chasing teams have a pretty good record at this venue irrespective of the target.

Average first innings score: 172 (Last three completed Twenty20s)

Chasing team’s record: Won – 3, Lost – 0. (Last three completed Twenty20s)

Squads:

Otago Volts:

Hamish Rutherford, Shawn Hicks, Neil Broom, Anaru Kitchen, Ben Cox, Josh Finnie, Ben Raine, Brad Wilson, Christi Viljoen, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy (C).

Bench – Josh Tasman-Jones

Squad News:

In – Neil Broom

Out – Jack Hunter

Wellington Firebirds:

Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Jimmy Neesham, Tom Blundell, Troy Johnson, Logan van Beek, Ollie Newton, Jeetan Patel, Ben Sears, Hamish Bennett (C).

Bench – Luke Woodcock, Malcolm Nofal.

Squad News:

In – Malcolm Nofal, Rachin Ravindra.

Out – Adam Hose, Iain Mcpeake.

Team News:

Jimmy Neesham is available to feature for the Wellington Firebirds. Under-19 star all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been included in the Firebirds’ squad for the first time. Adam Hose is unavailable due to injury.

Power Picks:

Ollie Newton picked up ten wickets from six matches in this season. The pacer has been effective in the recent matches as he picked up 8 wickets from the previous four taking at least two in three games. His bowling figures in last two games read 2/20 and 3/26.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Anaru Kitchen has been consistent throughout the tournament while Hamish Rutherford is expected to fire up Wellington in the must-win game. The likes of Jimmy Neesham, Neil Broom and Michael Bracewell could be top picks from this game. Rachin Ravindra could turn out to be surprise package if he gets a game.

Playing XI #1 for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Ben Cox

Batters – Hamish Rutherford (VC), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Neil Broom

All-Rounders – Anaru Kitchen (C), Jimmy Neesham

Bowlers – Christie Viljoen, Logan van Beek, Ollie Newton, Jacob Duffy

Playing XI #2 for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Ben Cox

Batters – Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Neil Broom (C)

All-Rounders – Anaru Kitchen, Rachin Ravindra (VC), Jimmy Neesham

Bowlers – Christie Viljoen, Hamish Bennett, Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy

Expert Advice:

There is a straight 2-way battle in the wicketkeeper’s category between Ben Cox and Tom Blundell. Choosing either of the two might not make a difference as both of them cost 8.5 credits and have hardly made any impact in the tournament. However, there are slight chances of Ben Cox opening in the next game if Broom bats at No.3. In fact, Cox is more skilful batting in the middle-order than Blundell.

Probable Winners:

Wellington Firebirds are expected to defeat the Otago Volts and stay alive in the competition.

*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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