Match Details:
The 1st match in Round 1 of the Plunket Shield 2020-21 will be played between Northern Districts and Central Stags at the Seddon Park, Hamilton on Monday.
This match is scheduled to start at 10:30 AM Local Time (03:00 AM IST) (09:30 PM UTC – 18 September 2020).
Preview:
Plunket Shield 2020-21 season is starting on Monday, October 19th 2020. The first match of the competition will be played between Northern Districts and Central Stags at the Seddon Park, Hamilton. It’s an excellent opportunity for both the teams to showcase their talent and prove themselves.
Both the teams have talented international stars in their line-ups and thus one can expect a highly competitive game of cricket. Northern Districts didn’t have a great season last year as they won only one of the six games that they played. While they lost three matches, two games finished in a draw. Central Stags, on the other hand, finished second on the points table with two wins. They managed to secure more points even though two other teams finished with the same number of wins.
NK vs CD Weather Report for Match 1:
The weather forecast at Seddon Park is not good as there is rain prediction on all the four days of the game.
Pitch Condition/Report:
The pitch is expected to favour the bowlers as we witnessed in the last few games. Moreover, the overcast conditions will offer swing for the fast bowlers.
Injury and Availability News:
Both the teams have named their 13-men squads ahead of this game.
NK vs CD Today’s Probable Playing XIs:
Northern Districts:
Dean Brownlie/Brett Hampton, Jeet Raval, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Scott Kuggeleijn, Ish Sodhi, Colin de Grandhomme, Joe Carter, Henry Cooper, Peter Bocock, Katene Clarke.
Bench:
James Baker, Dean Brownlie/Brett Hampton,
Central Stags:
Dane Cleaver, Ross Taylor, Tom Bruce, Doug Bracewell, George Worker, Blair Tickner, Seth Rance, Brad Schmulian, Greg Hay, Raymond Toole, Will Young.
Bench:
Christian Leopard, Joey Field.
NK vs CD Top picks for Today’s Dream11 Match:
Henry Cooper was the leading run-getter for Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield 2019-20. He piled up 499 runs in just 5 games at an average of around 50.
Joe Carter will be another batsman to watch out for in this game. He scored 452 runs from 5 games he played in the last season.
Neil Wagner picked up 22 wickets in the Plunket Shield 2019-20 and was also the leading wicket-taker for his team.
Greg Hay was the highest run-scorer for his side during the 2019-20 season. He plundered 454 runs including five fifties to his name.
Brad Schmulian will be the key player for Central Stags. He scored 418 runs and picked up 8 wickets in six games last year.
Blair Tickner will lead the bowling attack for his team. He has bagged 18 wickets from four games in the last season of this tournament.
Dane Cleaver will look forward to getting some runs in the upcoming game against Northern Districts. In the previous season, he scored 423 runs at an average of around 39.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain Options – Brad Schmulian, Henry Cooper
Vice-Captain Options – George Worker, Neil Wagner
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for NK vs CD Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Dane Cleaver
Batters – Greg Hay, Jeet Raval, Joe Carter, Ross Taylor
All-Rounders – Brad Schmulian (C), George Worker, Brett Hampton
Bowlers – Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner (VC), Tim Southee
Suggested Playing XI No.2 NK vs CD for Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – BJ Watling
Batters – Henry Cooper (C), Ross Taylor, Tom Bruce, Dean Brownlie
All-Rounders – Colin de Grandhomme, Doug Bracewell, George Worker (VC)
Bowlers – Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Ish Sodhi
Expert Advice:
You can take a chance by having Blair Tickner as the captain of one of your Grand League teams. He is a talented bowler and can pick up some crucial wickets.
Today’s NK vs CD Probable Winners:
Central Stags are expected to win this match.