New Zealand T20 League

4th Match: CES vs WEL

Preview

The 4th match of the ongoing New Zealand T20 League will witness a battle between the Stags and Firebirds. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at 07:10 AM IST. Fitzherbert Park in Palmerston North is the ground hosting the game. 

CES were at the 4th spot on the points table in the previous season and they missed the opportunity to qualify for the next round. Their skipper Tom Bruce led from the front as a quality all-rounder scoring 267 runs and 3 wickets. Also batsman Dane Cleaver registered 369 runs and ended the campaign as the second-highest run-scorer. A total of 5 batters scored 200+ runs for the Central franchise last year. 

From the bowling side, Doug Bracewell and Seth Rance took 14 and 15 scalps respectively though they were isolated as other bowlers couldn’t fetch many wickets. 

The Wellington side, on the other hand, finished in the third spot last season with 5 wins in 10 matches. Unfortunately, they were shown the exit route in the elimination round against the Kings. Michael Bracewell was the best all-rounder last season. He scored a total of 478 runs at an average of 79.66 and also picked 6 wickets to assist his side.

Their bowling side comprises Ben Sears and Logan Van Beek who struck 13 and 11 times respectively in the previous edition of the league. The rest of the bowlers in the pack failed to reach double-digit figures in the wicket tally. 

Match Details

Match: CES vs WEL, 4th Match, New Zealand T20 League

Date: Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Time: 7:10 AM (Dec 27)

Venue: Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North

Pitch & Weather Report

The pitch at Fitzherbert Park Stadium is well-balanced for both the batting and bowling departments. It is expected that the pacers will dominate throughout the match, specifically in the second inning. The skipper winning the toss will be willing to bat first as it is the best choice in this setting.

The weather in Palmerston North in New Zealand is expected to reach a maximum temperature of 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday. Sunny weather is expected with no chance of rain and a wind flow of 21 km/h. 

CES vs WEL Squads

CES: Ma’ara Ave, Tom Bruce, Doug Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Liam Dudding, Greg Hay, Curtis Heaphy, Jayden Lennox, Ajaz Patel, Seth Rance, Brett Randell, Brad Schmulian, Ben Smith, Blair Tickner, Ray Toole, Bayley Wiggins, Will Young, Jack Boyle, Will Clark, Mason Hughes, Brett Johnson, Ross Taylor.

WEL: Finn Allen, Jakob Bhula, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Luke Georgeson, Troy Johnson, Nick Kelly, Callum McLachlan, Iain McPeake, Adam Milne, Ollie Newton, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Michael Snedden, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband.

CES vs WEL Probable XIs

CES: Ben Smith, Dane Cleaver (wk), Tom Bruce (c), Josh Clarkson, Ross Taylor, Brett Johnson, Doug Bracewell, Greg Hay, Seth Rance, Jayden Lennox, Brett Randell

WEL: Finn Allen, Nick Kelly, Rachin Ravindra, Troy Johnson, Nathan Smith, Tim Robinson, Callum McLachlan (wk), Adam Milne, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband (c), Michael Snedden

Match Prediction

Both CES and WEL are well-organised sides with loads of power-hitters and quick wicket-takers. It will be a very close combat but we expect WEF to win this match and start their season with a victory.  

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