Wellington Firebirds vs Canterbury Kings, PS, Today Match Prediction 20 October 2023

WELL vs CANT Match Prediction & Analysis

Wellington and Canterbury are going to lock horns in the third match of the Plunkett Shield 2023-4 played at Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland, starting from 20th October (Friday).

With four wins and three draws out of eight matches last year, Canterbury played excellent cricket and finished second in the competition. Captain Cole McConchie will be hoping that the side can start their season on a winning note.

On the other hand, Wellington will be looking to adjust to the conditions and put on a decent show in this opening clash. Captain Nick Kelly will be hoping that the side can show discipline in all three departments.

RECENT PERFORMANCE

WELL

CANT

HEAD TO HEAD

TEAMS PREVIEW

Wellington Firebirds Preview

In the batting department, the side will be depending on the likes of Luke Georgeson, Muhammad Abbas, Tom Blundell, Nick Kelly, and Callum MacLachlan to deliver the bulk of the runs.

Last year, Nick Kelly showcased decent form with the bat for Wellington and accumulated 470 runs in 16 innings at an average of 29.37. Besides Kelly, rookie batsman Muhammad Abbas proved to be biggest standout performer for Wellington last season. In 8 innings, Muhammad Abbas scored 453 runs at an average of 56.62 with one century and three half-centuries to his name,

In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the likes of Michael Snedden, Peter Younghusband, Luke Georgeson, Iain Meake and James Hartshorn to deliver timely breakthroughs.

Last season, medium-pacer Michael Sneddon was the standout performer with the ball in hand and claimed 21 wickets in 13 innings at an average of 25.85.

Wellington Firebirds Predicted Playing XI:

Nick Kelly (Captain), Muhammad Abbas, Tom Blundell, Callum MacLachlan, Gareth Severin, Jesse Tashkoff, Peter Younghusband, Iain Meake, Michael Sneddon, James Hartshorn, Deven Vishvaka

Wellington Firebirds Actual Playing XI:

James Hartshorn, Nick Greenwood, Nick Kelly, Tim Robinson, Troy Johnson, Muhammad Arslan Abbas, Callum McLachlan, Gareth Severin, Ben Sears, Michael Snedden, Nathan Smith, Peter Younghusband

Canterbury Kings Preview

In the batting department, the side will be relying on captain Cole McConchie, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Hay, Leo Carter, and Rhys Mariu to do the bulk of the scoring.

Last year, Cole McConchie topped the batting charts for Canterbury. In 13 innings, McConchie accumulated 738 runs at an average of 56.76 with two centuries and three half-centuries to his name. Besides McConchie, opener Mitchell Hay showcased consistency at the top of the innings and accumulated 538 runs in 13 innings at an average of 41.38 with six fifties to his name.

In the bowling department, the side will be depending on the likes of Sean Davey, Henry Shipley, Ed Nuttall, Wiliam O’Rourke and Fraser Sheat to provide timely breakthrouighs.

Last season, medium-pacer Sean Davey was the standout performer with the ball in hand and claimed 23 wickets in eight innings at an average of 14.69 with two five-wicket hauls to his name.

Canterbury Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Cole McConchie (captain). Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Hay, Leo Carter, Rhys Mariu, Sean Davey, Henry Shipley, Ed Nuttal, William O’Rourke, Fraser Sheat, Cam Fletcher.

Canterbury Kings Actual Playing XI:

Leo Carter, Matthew Boyle, Mitchell Hay, Zakary Foulkes, Cole McConchie, Michael Rippon, Angus McKenzie, Ed Nuttall, Fraser Sheat, Michael Rae, Dylan Hunter, Ben Russell

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The wicket prepared at Auckland is certainly provide some assistance to the quick bowlers. The batsmen will have to show technique and temperament to score runs on this surface. The weather for the first three days is going to be bright and sunny. The last and final day of the match is expected to have light rain showers with moderate breeze.

WELL vs CANT Pitch Report

Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland is going to host the third match of the 2023-4 Plunkett Shield between Wellington and Canterbury.

Toss: To Bowl

Both the teams will be keen to win the toss, bowl first and exploit the pitch conditions at Auckland. Last year, the first inning score at the venue was around 180 to 200 runs.