Super Smash 2022-23: Canterbury vs Northern Knights – Final Preview and Updates

Cricket

Knights and Kings are at odds once more. Last season, the two teams met in the final, with the Northern Knights coming out on top.

The Canterbury Kings qualified for the final by having a slightly higher NRR than the second-placed Otago Volts. Northern Knights, on the other hand, defeated Otago in the Elimination final to advance to yet another Super Smash final.

Canterbury has had a difficult home season this year. They were defeated batting first by Otago in their most recent game in Christchurch.

This season, the Kings have won just two of their five home games. Both of these victories were highlighted by the bowlers. Todd Astle, Zakary Foulkes, and William ORourke will all be expected to deliver another strong performance for McConchie.

While the NK batters quickly recovered after falling their way to a win chasing 114 runs, the bowlers have been consistent. The Northern Knights’ impact bowlers are Neil Wagner, Scott Kuggeleijn, and Tim Pringle.

The Final between Canterbury vs Northern Knights will take place on February 11th, 2023 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.

Match Details to Note

Match: Canterbury vs Northern Knights, Final, Super Smash 2022-23

Date: February 11, 2023 (Saturday)

Time: 11:00 AM IST

Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Canterbury vs Northern Knights

Canterbury (Match Odds – 1.65):

Preview:

Northern Knights will compete in the Super Smash final against Canterbury for their second consecutive and fourth overall title.

This season, they have lost both games against the Kings, including the one in Christchurch. That, however, will have no bearing on the Knights’ confidence as they prepare to return to Christchurch for the final. The Northern Knights enter this game on the heels of two straight victories.

With a 105-run partnership, the openers put on a great show in the Eliminator final. Tim Seifert’s return to form is good news for the Knights. The wicket-keeper batsman had struggled with his strike rate over the previous year while playing for other teams.

He’s found his groove now and will be a key batsman to keep an eye on. Katene Clarke’s 73-ball knock in the previous game was the standout batting performance.

He is, however, not one of the most dependable batters in this lineup. In the previous game, Hampton scored 44 points on 23 attempts. However, we believe the Knights should reintroduce Joe Carter to the middle order. With Brett Hampton, Santner, and Kuggeleijn at the bottom of the order, the batting order can be deep.

Skipper Raval is a natural fit for the third or fourth position. The Northern Knights have some of the best bowlers in the league. The bowling attack will be led by Neil Wagner, Kuggeleijn, and Pringle. Hampton, Santner, and Joe Walker, on the other hand, can make useful contributions.

Full Squad:

Cole McConchie (c), Todd Astle, Chad Bowes, Matthew Boyle, Leo Carter, Blake Coburn, Cam Fletcher, Mitchell Hay, Angus McKenzie, Ed Nuttall, William ORourke, Zakary Foulkes, Ken McClure, Fraser Sheat

Possible Playing XI:

Tim Seifert (wk), Katene Clarke, Jeet Raval (c), Joe Carter, Mitchell Santner, Henry Cooper, Brett Hampton, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tim Pringle, Neil Wagner, Joe Walker

Northern Knights (Match Odds – 2.25):

Preview:

Canterbury Kings have one Super Smash title to their name and have finished second four times. After losing in the final last year, the Kings will be eager to win their second title this year.

Chad Bowes will play a significant role in this pursuit. In his last three innings, the opening batsman has scored two half-centuries. Ken McClure, his opening partner, has also looked sharp.

These two’s strong start will pave the way for a match-winning innings in the final. This batting order features a number of notable players.

Many batters can step up and deliver a game-changing hit for the Kings. Leo Carter, the left-handed number three batsman, is critical for developing middle-order partnerships.

He was unbeaten on 70 off 45 balls against Central Districts, and he and Chad Bowes shared a 104-run partnership. Though the captain hasn’t been hitting well, he has other reliable batters lower in the order.

Cam Fletcher and Mitchell Hay will be valuable assets in a run chase. With this depth in the batting lineup, the Kings can finish on a high note if the top order can stay on the crease for half of the innings. The bowlers are the most consistent players on this team and will be the ones to watch.

Full Squad:

Brett Hampton, Henry Cooper, Jeet Raval (c), Joe Carter, Joe Walker, Katene Clarke, Kristian Clarke, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tim Pringle, Tim Seifert, Zak Gibson, Peter Bocock, Frederick Walker, Scott Johnston, Neil Wagner, Mitchell Santner

Possible Playing XI:

Chad Bowes, Ken McClure, Leo Carter, Cole McConchie (c), Cam Fletcher (wk), Mitchell Hay, Zakary Foulkes, Angus McKenzie, William ORourke, Ed Nuttall, Todd Astle

Canterbury vs Northern Knights Head to Head

Over the years of the Super Smash, these two teams have been very evenly matched, with Northern Brave currently leading the overall head to head 17-16. Canterbury Kings, on the other hand, has won both games this season.

Canterbury vs Northern Knights Head to Head Stats in T20s

	Matches Played	CTB Won	NK Won	Tie	NR
Overall	34	16	17	0	1
Last 5	5	2	3	0	0

Canterbury vs Northern Knights Toss Prediction

The toss has historically not played a significant role in T20 matches at this venue. Teams batting first and second have won 18 of the 37 domestic T20s played. This season, the visiting teams have won three of the five batting second matches. However, given that this is the final, the pressure will be on, and with both teams’ bowlers in top form, chasing will be difficult.

Canterbury vs Northern Knights Pitch Report

The Super Smash final between the Canterbury Kings and the Northern Knights will take place at Hagley Oval. Canterbury Kings are playing in their third consecutive Super Smash final at this venue. On this field, the average first-inning score is 159 runs. Canterbury had successfully defended 154 in their previous game at this venue against the Northern Knights. However, we believe a total of 175 or higher would be a good score for the team batting first.

The Hagley Oval in Christchurch has an excellent batting track. The bounce is even, and the ball lands nicely on the bat. The ball will be easy to time to boundaries, and batters will have a great time here. The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies and a high temperature of 22 degrees Celsius.

Canterbury vs Northern Knights Prediction

Both the Northern Knights and the Canterbury Kings have strong lineups that include some of New Zealand’s best T20 players. The Knights appear to have a solid bowling attack, with some of the more experienced players. Canterbury’s key batters are in good form, and they have the advantage of playing at home. Overall, the game between these two teams promises to be exciting, with Canterbury Kings starting with a slight advantage over the visitors. In our match prediction, the Kings are the favourites to win. Check out the odds at Cricbaba!

Canterbury is the favourite to beat Northern Knights at the odds of 1.65.