Super Smash T20 2018-19, Match 5: Wellington Firebirds vs Otago Volts – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips

The Wellington Firebirds await for their first win of the Super Smash T20 2018-19 having lost the opener against the Northern Knights that too by a 45-run margin. Their second game was supposed to be against a star-studded Auckland Aces which was washed out. They will be playing their first home game of the season on Friday as they face the Otago Volts at the Basin Reserve. The Firebirds will be hoping to put their best in the home match and open their account.

The positive fact for the Firebirds will be their recent record against the Otago Volts. The Wellington side won two of the four matches between the two sides since the start of 2016. One game ended a Tie while another finished without a result. However, Volts will be hoping to end the jinx having started their campaign with a clinical win. The Volts defeated Canterbury Kings in their first game where they chased down 185 with five wickets in hand.

Match Details:

The 5th match of the Super Smash T20 2018-19 will be played between Wellington Firebirds and Otago Volts at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

The match starts at 3:00 PM local time (2:00 AM GMT) (7:30 AM IST).

There will be no official broadcast for this match.

Pitch Condition/Report:

In the four completed Super Smash T20 matches played at the Basin Reserve, the teams batting first made over 170+ only on one occasion. The Central Stags, who made 194 batting first against hosts, won by a 29-run margin. Wellington, who were the chasing side in the three other matches as well, won two and lost once that too only by a 1-run difference.

Squads:

Wellington Firebirds:

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

Otago Volts:

Jacob Duffy (C), Neil Broom, Ben Cox, Josh Finnie, Shawn Hicks, Jack Hunter, Anaru Kitchen, Michael Rippon, Hamish Rutherford, Matthew Bacon, Nathan Smith, Christi Viljoen.

Probable XI:

Wellington Firebirds:

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

Otago Volts:

Jacob Duffy (C), Neil Broom, Ben Cox, Josh Finnie, Shawn Hicks, Jack Hunter, Anaru Kitchen, Michael Rippon, Hamish Rutherford, Matthew Bacon, Christi Viljoen.

Power Picks:

Matthew Bacon is expected to take the place of Nathan Smith for the Otago team. In the four T20 games Bacon played in the previous edition of the tournament, he claimed 9 wickets including two four-wicket hauls. The fast bowler also has 17 wickets from the 12 List A matches he played thus far.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Hamish Rutherford’s adaptability to the T20 format and Jimmy Neesham’s recent form put them as the main picks for multipliers. The likes of Devon Conway and Jeetan Patel can be ideal as vice-captain. Jeetan is expected to play a good role in this game as the Wellington pitch could favour the spinners.

Best Playing XI:

Ben Cox, Devon Conway, Adam Hose, Hamish Rutherford, Neil Broom, Anaru Kitchen, Jimmy Neesham, Michael Rippon, Jeetan Patel, Matthew Bacon, Christi Viljoen.

Risky Playing XI:

Ben Cox (VC), Devon Conway, Adam Hose, Hamish Rutherford, Shawn Hicks, Jimmy Neesham, Michael Rippon, Jeetan Patel, Matthew Bacon (C), Hamish Bennett, Christi Viljoen.

Expert Advice:

Ben Cox is set to join Otago Volts from this game. He is in the keepers’ category along with Tom Blundell. Cox has a good reputation of being a hitting in the white-ball cricket. However, there will be no difference between him and Blundell if they don’t bat in the top four.

Probable Winners:

Otago Volts are expected to extend the Wellington Firebirds’ wait for their maiden win of this season.

*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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