Match Details:
The final match of the Ford Trophy 2019-20 will be played between Auckland and Otago at the Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland.
The match starts at 11:00 AM local time (10:00 PM GMT – Prev Day) (3:30 AM IST).
Preview:
Auckland ended as the league toppers in the group stage of Ford Trophy 2019-20. But, their last couple of games have not gone well as they suffered defeat in back to back games. They will be short of momentum going into the finals of the tournament. But, their side looks quite balanced on paper with some high profile players in their side. In batting, they have Colin Munro, Jeet Raval, who form a formidable opening pair. Meanwhile, their bowling looks settled with all their bowlers in good form.
Otago marked a late but strong comeback in the tournament by winning back to back games in a row. Now, they will aim to grab the trophy by winning the upcoming crucial clash against Auckland. They boast a strong batting line up that comprises of Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly and Neil Broom, who can dismantle any strong bowling line up on their good days. If the trio managed to click knocks with the bat then the chances of Otago winning the final will be quite high. Going into the crucial game, Otago are the favourites to win the match on the back of their winning momentum in the last couple of games.
Weather Condition/Report:
The weather says it will be a cloudy day with fewer chances of rain on the match day. The wind is expected to blow at a rate of 24 to 30 km/hr. On the other hand, the temperature is expected to deviate between 20 and 23 Degree Celsius throughout the day according to Accuweather.
Pitch Condition/Report:
The pitch at Eden Park Outer Oval is expected to offer a good battle between bat and ball. This ground has hosted a total of four games in this season of Ford Trophy. And, the side batting first has managed to go past score of 250+ runs thrice including one 300+ run game. But the side chasing has lost the majority of games. The same is expected in the high voltage final between Auckland and Otago.
Average first innings score: 272 (Games played at this venue in this season of Ford Trophy 2019-20)
Record of chasing teams: Won – 1, Lost – 3
Injury and Availability:
Martin Guptill and Kyle Jamieson have been included in Auckland’s 12-man squad for the final.
Probable Playing XIs:
Otago:
Nick Kelly, Hamish Rutherford, Mitch Renwick (WK), Neil Broom, Dean Foxcroft, Michael Rae, Anaru Kitchen (C), Nathan Smith, Michael Rippon, Josh Finnie, Jacob Duffy
Bench – Matt Bacon, Dale Phillips.
Auckland:
Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Jeet Raval, Mark Chapman, Craig Cachopa (C), Robert O’Donnell, Ben Horne (WK), Kyle Jamieson, Sean Solia, Ben Lister, Lockie Ferguson.
Bench – Louis Delport, Glenn Phillips
Top Picks:
Martin Guptill has been included in the squad. He cannot be ignored while picking any fantasy team. Colin Munro will be another player to watch with the bat. He has mustered 388 runs in seven games with two tons and the Kiwi international should be picked in the fantasy side. Ben Lister will be a good pick in the bowlers’ category, who has grabbed 23 wickets in 10 games for his team.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain – Colin Munro, Dean Foxcroft, Anaru Kitchen
Vice-Captain –Martin Guptill, Neil Broom, Nick Kelly
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Mitch Renwick
Batters – Martin Guptill (C), Neil Broom (VC), Nick Kelly, Colin Munro, Hamish Rutherford
All-Rounders – Kyle Jamieson, Anaru Kitchen
Bowlers – Ben Lister, Michael Rae, Jacob Duffy
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Mitch Renwick
Batters – Robert O’Donnell, Jeet Raval, Nick Kelly (VC), Hamish Rutherford
All-Rounders – Sean Solia, Michael Rippon, Dean Foxcroft (C)
Bowlers – Ben Lister, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy
Expert Advice
In high voltage final of Ford Trophy 2019-20, the users should go with at least four top-order batsman due to the batting-friendly wicket that will help them in collecting some important position in any fantasy team.
Probable Winners
Otago are expected to win the match.
*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.
from Fantasy Cricket – CricTracker https://ift.tt/38ua2Sd