Match Details:
The 3rd match of the Super Smash 2020-21 will be played between Otago Volts and Auckland Aces at Molyneux Park in Alexandra.
This match will start at 8:30 AM IST (4:00 PM local time). This tournament will be streamed live on Fancode.
Preview:
Auckland Aces were by no means unimpressive in the season opener against Wellington Firebirds. However, all of their efforts did not translate into points, as the Firebirds ultimately got the win. Aces’ batting order put up a great show, scoring 176 runs.
However, their bowling unit was unable to defend the total, as Firebirds chased it down with 5 balls to spare. They will be desperate to avoid two defeats in a row, but their opposition Otago Volts are a very formidable unit on paper. They have experienced players in the likes of Mitchell McClenaghan, and also in-form hot prospects like Jacob Duffy, who made the headlines with his stunning spell in the first T20I match between the Kiwis and Pakistan.
OV vs AA Weather Report for Match 3:
Though New Zealand’s weather tends to be unfavourable at times, it will be perfectly fine for this game. Chances of rain are only 10%, while the temperature is expected to be around 19 °C.
Pitch Report
The pitch at the Molyneux Park will favour the batsmen, as bowlers will find it hard to be successful here. The team batting first should have their sights set on at least 180.
Average first innings score:
184 (2 matches played at the venue in Super Smash 2019-20)
Record of Chasing Teams:
Won – 1, Lost – 1
Injury & Availability News
(Will be added when there is an update)
OV vs AA Today’s Probable Playing XIs:
Otago Volts:
Matt Bacon, Mitch Renwick, Neil Broom, Travis Muller, Hamish Rutherford, Anaru Kitchen, Nick Kelly, Dale Phillips, Jacob Duffy, Mitchell McClenaghan, Michael Rippon.
Bench:
Llew Johnson, Josh Finnie.
Auckland Aces:
Robert O’ Donnell, Ollie Pringle, Glenn Phillips, Ben Horne, William O’ Donnell, Danru Ferns, Ben Lister, Graeme Beghin, William Somerville, Sean Solia, Ross ter Braak.
Bench
Bradley Rodden.
OV vs AA Top Picks for Today’s Dream11 Match:
Sean Solia was Auckland’s best performer in the season opener. He played a stunning knock of 75 runs from just 56 deliveries, which included 6 fours and a couple of sixes.
William O’Donnell played the supporting actor’s part, by scoring 29 runs from 24 deliveries. Volts will have to get him out early if they were to restrict the Aces to a low total.
Glenn Phillips is currently enjoying a good run of form and he also was in good touch in the last edition of Super Smash. He scored 2016 runs in the 2019 edition, which included a century.
Anaru Kitchen will have to be up to the mark both with the bat and the ball for Volts to start their campaign with a win. He picked up 5 wickets in the last edition of this competition and also scored 141 runs.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection
Captain Options: Glenn Phillips, Sean Solia
Vice-Captain Options: Anaru Kitchen, William O’Donnell
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for OV vs AA Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Glenn Phillips
Batsmen – Robert O’Donnell, William O’Donnell, Nick Kelly, Neil Broom
All-Rounders – Sean Solia (C), Anaru Kitchen (VC), Matthew Rippon
Bowlers – William Somerville, Jacob Duffy, Mitchell McClenaghan
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for OV vs AA Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Glenn Phillips (C), Ben Horne
Batsmen – Hamish Rutherford, William O’Donnell (VC), Neil Broom
All-Rounders – Sean Solia, Anaru Kitchen, Danru Ferns
Bowlers – William Somerville, Jacob Duffy, Travis Muller
Expert Advice:
Neil Broom was in scintillating form for Otago Volts in the 2019 edition of Super Smash. He scored 357 runs at an average of over 30 and a strike rate of almost 140. It is advisable to include him in both of your Dream11 Fantasy teams.
Today’s OV vs AA Probable Winners:
Auckland Aces are expected to win this match.
