Betting Tips

The Canterbury Kings ended second on the table last season. This should be another thrilling contest. The Kings last match was a washout in the Final. Both teams have dominated New Zealand domestic cricket over the years and will be looking to extend their respective records. The Kings have had the edge over the Volts in their recent T20 encounters.

Otago Volts vs Canterbury Kings Head-to-Head Record

The Volts and Kings have had some great contests over their past five matches. The Canterbury Kings have the better record though with three wins. The Otago Volts have won once. One game was abandoned. The Kings finished higher on last season’s log.

Otago Volts vs Canterbury Kings Live-streaming and Broadcast

Otago Volts and Canterbury Kings take each other on in the second match of this year’s Super Smash. The match will take place at Molyneux Park, Alexandra on Friday, 27 December 2024. There won’t be any TV broadcast in India, but live-streaming will be available on the FanCode app.

OV vs CK Team Previews

Otago Volts

Dean Foxcroft’s all-round abilities and leadership are pivotal to the team's ambitions this season. The batting lineup boasts depth with players like Dale Phillips, Llew Johnson and the promising Thorn Parkes.

The Volts may struggle for firepower in their batting lineup. They will be highly dependent on key batters such as Dale Phillips and Dean Foxcroft. Foxcroft has experience with the national team. He has 231 runs in his last ten Super Smash innings.

Wicketkeeper-batter Max Chu provides stability in the middle-order. His glovework behind the stumps will need to be on point. Chu and Phillips hit unbeaten scores in the 30s in the previous game versus Canterbury.

Luke Georgeson and Jamal Todd add versatility as all-rounders. They will chip in with bat and ball. The bowling unit is spearheaded by the duo of Matthew Bacon and Travis Muller. Both pace bowlers will provide breakthroughs at crucial moments. They will be key in the powerplay.

Left-arm spinner Ben Lockrose and pacer Andrew Hazeldine round off a bowling attack which has variety and threats with pace and spin. Hazeldine took three wickets in his last Super Smash game. Hazeldine and Muller both took two wickets against Canterbury at Molyneux Park in January.

Otago Volts Expected Playing 11

Canterbury Kings

The Canterbury Kings enter the season with a strong, well-balanced squad. The Kings are led by the all-rounder Cole McConchie. At the top, Chad Bowes provides stability and aggression. The aggressive Bowes is complemented by the versatile Tom Latham.

The Black Cap doubles as the wicketkeeper and a dependable anchor in the batting lineup. He is an experienced all-format New Zealand national player. Latham hit an unbeaten 58 runs in the 2023/24 Final, including five sixes.

Matthew Boyle and Rhys Mariu add depth to the middle-order with their ability to accelerate when needed. Skipper McConchie brings composure and tactical acumen with bat and ball. The all-rounder hit 39 runs off 31 balls when Canterbury Kings last met Otago Volts.

Michael Rippon is another skilled all-rounder. He offers the rare skill of left-arm wrist-spin and can also add valuable lower-order runs. Rippon has almost 1000 runs and 86 wickets in T20s.

Henry Shipley is another asset blending pace with skill. He has international experience. The right-arm pacer has best bowling figures in T20s of four for 23. The Kings are well-stocked with Ed Nuttall and Michael Rae spearheading the pace attack. Left-armer Nuttall has 73 T20 wickets.

Young talents Cameron Paul and Angus McKenzie bring fresh energy. They will be looking to make the most of their opportunity in the starting lineup after limited chances until now.

Canterbury Kings Expected Playing 11

OV vs CK Toss Prediction

This is only the beginning of the season so the pitch will still be fresh. Both captains may prefer chasing on an unused wicket.

Pitch and Conditions

The new ball could be effective in the powerplay if the seamers find some movement. The dry conditions could make for decent batting conditions. Both batting lineups will be looking to cash in with a high total. With the sun baking on the pitch for most of the day, the spinners may also find some turn when they come on to bowl. Last time Otago set Canterbury a target of 172 runs. Canterbury Kings chased that target down in the 19th over.

There is no chance of rain on Thursday in Alexandra. The weather will also be sunny and moderately warm, but quite humid.

OV vs CK Betting Tips

Both teams will be starting a fresh campaign in this match. They may look to start building combinations for the rest of the tournament. Last year’s runners-up in the Canterbury Kings will want to be title contenders again. We think they have an excellent chance of starting with a win.

Bet on Canterbury Kings to win this match.