WELL vs ND Betting Tips - Lotus365 Cricket Analysis
Northern Knights aim for a strong finish against Wellington Firebirds
Northern Knights sit second on the points table with four wins and two no-results in nine games and have already secured a playoff spot.
Wellington Firebirds, currently in fifth place, have lost five of their nine games and must win this match to stay in contention for the playoffs.
Northern Knights have won three of the last five head-to-head encounters against Wellington Firebirds, with one match being abandoned.
Our Lotus365 prediction: Northern Knights will defeat Wellington Firebirds.
Match Details
Tournament: Super Smash 2024-25
Format: T20
Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand
Date & Time: 30th January 2025, 8:55 AM
Toss Prediction: To Bat
WELL vs ND Match Prediction & Analysis - Lotus365 Sports Betting Insights
The Super Smash 2024-25 league stage is nearing its conclusion, with this being the last match for both Wellington Firebirds and Northern Knights. Canterbury Magicians and Otago Volts have already completed their group-stage matches, while Northern Knights have secured a playoff berth. However, this match is a must-win for Wellington Firebirds to qualify.
Northern Knights have 20 points in nine games and are placed second on the table. Meanwhile, Wellington Firebirds have suffered five losses in nine matches and are currently fifth with 16 points. If the Firebirds win this match, they will enter the playoffs.
Wellington Firebirds Preview
Wellington Firebirds have fought hard to stay alive in the competition after losing five of their first seven matches. With two consecutive wins, they have kept their playoff hopes alive. Can they secure a third win and advance?
The Firebirds began their campaign with a six-wicket defeat to Northern Knights, managing only 116/8 in 20 overs. Gareth Severin and Nick Greenwood provided some resistance in the lower middle order, but an expensive powerplay cost them the match.
Their journey has been a roller-coaster:
Defeated Central Stags by 11 runs but lost the next match to them by six wickets.
Split victories against Otago Volts and Canterbury.
Lost their first match to Auckland Aces by 53 runs but avenged it with a six-wicket win in their last game.
A win against Northern Knights would ensure a playoff spot. Interestingly, they have yet to lose twice to the same team this season. Will they maintain this trend and defeat the Knights?
Key Players: Nick Kelly, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Ben Sears
Wellington Firebirds Predicted XI: Rachin Ravindra, Jesse Tashkoff, Nick Kelly (c), Muhammad Abbas, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Gareth Severin, Nathan Smith, Peter Younghusband, Ben Sears, Michael Snedden
Northern Districts Preview
Northern Knights have been one of the most consistent teams, with four wins in nine games despite two rain-abandoned matches. They sit comfortably in second place and have already qualified for the playoffs.
Their campaign highlights:
Opened with a no-result against Auckland Aces.
Defeated Wellington Firebirds by six wickets.
Lost to table-toppers Central Stags by 64 runs.
Secured consecutive wins against Auckland Hearts (by 5 wickets) and Otago Volts (by 8 runs).
Two defeats in their last four games, but a strong four-wicket win over Otago Volts in their most recent match.
Katene Clarke leads their batting charts with 350 runs in 10 matches, averaging 35. Robert O'Donnell follows with 225 runs at an average of 37.5. Kristian Clarke has been their standout bowler with 12 wickets in nine games.
A win here will solidify their form heading into the playoffs.
Key Players: Katene Clarke, Mitchell Santner, Kristian Clarke, Neil Wagner
Northern Districts Predicted XI: Katene Clarke, Joe Carter, Ben Pomare (wk), Robert O’Donnell, Mitchell Santner, Brett Hampton, Jeet Raval (c), Kristian Clarke, Neil Wagner, Frederick Walker, Matthew Fisher
Weather & Pitch Report - Lotus365 Sports Insights
Weather Conditions
The weather at Basin Reserve, Wellington is expected to be breezy and pleasant with a mix of sun and clouds. Temperatures will range between 22°C and 18°C, with no significant chance of rain.
Pitch Report
Basin Reserve, established in 1868, is one of New Zealand’s oldest cricket grounds and is considered the spiritual home of New Zealand cricket. The pitch favors batters, and teams winning the toss should bat first.
This season, four matches have been played at Basin Reserve:
Central Stags won the first match batting second.
The next three matches were won by teams batting first.
Wellington Firebirds have lost all four matches played here.
Toss Prediction: To Bat
Lotus365 Match Prediction & Winning Odds
Northern Knights have already secured a playoff spot, whereas Wellington Firebirds need a victory to qualify. However, Firebirds have struggled at this venue, losing all four matches here. Considering recent form and head-to-head records, Northern Knights hold a slight advantage.
Our Lotus365 prediction: Northern Knights will defeat Wellington Firebirds.
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