Kerala vs Nagaland, SMAT 2024, Today Match Prediction 27 November 2024

KEL vs NGL Match Prediction & Analysis

Although it is still at an early stage of this year's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Nagaland really need to up their performance levels or they will be one of the first teams to make an early exit in the competition.

However, after Kerala were narrowly beaten by Maharashtra in their most recent game, there could be an opening for Nagaland to exploit!

When a team has suffered two heavy defeats in the way that Nagaland have, often the best approach is to adopt a very attacking approach so it would not be a surprise to see that in this game.

Kerala, on the other hand, will likely keep the same approach which nearly saw them make it two wins from two on Monday.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Kerala Preview

Three of Kerala's batters made a score of 40+ in their narrow defeat against Maharashtra and the team management will be looking for at least one or maybe two of their batting order to go big and return them to winning ways in this game.

Captain, opener and keeper-batter Sanju Samson made only 19 runs from 15 balls, quite a disappointing return for someone who recently made back to back international centuries in T20 cricket! Vishnu Vinod is another batter who Kerala will be looking for more from in this clash.

With the ball, it was an impressive defence of 188 by the bowling attack and only Akhil Scaria went wicketless in the last game. MD Nidheesh looks like being the leader of the bowling attack for this fixture.

Kerala Predicted Playing XI:

Sanju Samson (c) (wk), Rohan Kunnummal, Vishnu Vinod, Salman Nizar, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Sachin Babay, Abdul Basith, Vinod Kumar, Akhil Scaria, MD Nidheesh, Sijomon Joseph

Nagaland Preview

Nagaland look like a side with no where near enough batting talent to make an impact in this year's tournament and they come into this game after four players made ducks against Andhra with another finishing nought not out!

However, we are not expecting wholesale changes to the side, there could be a reshuffle in the batting line-up but overall we expect to see the same batters given the same opportunity to redeem themselves.

With the ball, Jagadeesha Suchith and Khrievitso Kense both impressed with the ball against Andhra although Dip Borah and Chopise Hopongkyu could well prove to be useful if they are given something to defend!

Nagaland Predicted Playing XI:

Samphri Terang, Dega Nischal, Joshua Ozukum, Rongsen Jonathan (c), Hem Chetri, Chetan Bist (wk), Hokaito Zhimomi, Jagadeesha Suchith, Khrievitso Kense, Dip Borah, Chopise Hopongkyu

Weather Conditions

The weather forecast is for cloudy conditions across this game in Hyderabad and with the top temperature no higher than 25 degrees. In spite of the cloud, no rain is expected to interrupt proceedings!

KEL vs NGL Pitch Report

The Gymkhana Ground has been graced by many top cricketers over the years and this could be the venue where Sanju Samson produces another big score. The bounce and carry is consistent and there is not as much turn as at other venues.

Toss: To Bowl

If there is to be any assistance for the bowlers in this wicket at the Gymkhana Ground, it is likely to come early in the game so we predict that both captains will want to bowl first in this match.