Super Smash 2018-19, Wellington Firebirds vs Central Stags: Preview & Prediction

Wellington Firebirds are set to host the Central Stags at Basin Reserve for another crunch contest in the Super Smash. We are at the business end of the tournament and all the teams will try and put their best foot forward to qualify for the next round. With only a couple of fixtures left to be played, we can anticipate a thrilling finish to the season.

Central Stags have taken up the third spot in the points table with 18 points. They have won four encounters while lost three in their eight outings so far in this campaign.

The Stags suffered a huge setback in their last match against the Knights. They lost the match by a massive margin of 131 runs while chasing 231.

Meanwhile, Wellington Firebirds are sitting on the fourth spot in the points table with 14 points to their name. They have emerged victorious in three games and faced defeat in four matches out of their eight league games.

The hosts won their last match against Otago Volts by 11 runs. They scored 221 runs in the first innings and restricted the Volts for 210/8 in their quota of 20 overs.

These two sides will be facing each other for the second time in this season. The previous encounter was won by Wellington in style, with 8 wickets in hand. Central Stags would be hoping to avenge their last defeat and outplay the hosts.

Game details

Date: Friday, February 01, 2019.

Time: 08:30 AM IST

Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington

League: Super Smash 2018-19

Live Telecast: Star Sports Network

Online Streaming: Hotstar

Team News

Wellington Firebirds have named a 12-member squad for this fixture.

It's a huge match at the @BasinReserve tomorrow! The @CentralStags are in town and we need a win to put us in the box-seat for the @SuperSmashNZ finals! Here's your Firebirds squad to get the job done!#cricketnation #BKSuperSmash #FirebirdsvStags #BirdsOnFire pic.twitter.com/bpGyGhrDUU

— Wellington Firebirds (@wgtnfirebirds) January 30, 2019

Central Stags, meanwhile, have brought in young wicket-keeper Bayley Wiggins, who is set to make his debut.

🏆 #BKSUPERSMASH 📍 Basin Reserve 📆 FRIYAY 1 FEB 2019 🕚 4pm 😮 New 🦌 keeper 🆚 @wgtnfirebirds 🎟 https://t.co/QVxeAiJZXD 🦌 #LoveTheStags FULL SQUAD NEWS→ https://t.co/f8HB8KmrJ5 pic.twitter.com/L9pw63Z5f4

— Central Stags 🏏 (@CentralStags) January 31, 2019

Squads

Central Stags

Tom Bruce (c), Doug Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Dean Foxcroft, Ajaz Patel, Seth Rance, Bevan Small, Blair Tickner, Ben Wheeler, George Worker, Bayley Wiggins (w), Will Young

Wellington Firebirds

Hamish Bennett (c), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Troy Johnson, Ollie Newton, Tom Blundell, Malcolm Nofal, Rachin Ravindra, Jeetan Patel, Logan van Beek, Ben Sears, Luke Woodcock

Probable Playing 11

Central Districts

1. Tom Bruce (c)

2. Doug Bracewell

3. Josh Clarkson

4. Dean Foxcroft

5. Seth Rance

6. Bevan Small

7. Bayley Wiggins (w)

8. Blair Tickner

9. Ben Wheeler

10. George Worker

11. Will Young

Wellington

1. Jeetan Patel

2. Hamish Bennett

3. Devon Conway

4. Luke Woodcock

5. Troy Johnson

6. Ben Sears

7. Ollie Newton

8. Michael Bracewell

9. Tom Blundell

10. Malcolm Nofal

11. Rachin Ravindra