Probable XI –
Wellington Firebirds –
Fraser Colson, Troy Johnson, Michael Bracewell (C), Rachin Ravindra, Jamie Gibson, Logan van Beek, Lauchie Johns/Finn Allen (WK), Hamish Bennett, Ian McPeake, Michael Snedden, Peter Younghusband
Auckland Aces –
Robert O Donnell (C), Sean Solia, Graeme Beghin, Ben Horne (WK), Ryan Harrison, William O Donnell, Bradley Rodden/Danru Ferns, Ben Lister, Olly Pringle, William Somerville, Ross ter Braak
Small League Combination 1 –
1. Ben Horne
2. Michael Bracewell(VC)
3. Robert O’Donnell
4. William O’Donnell
5. Jamie Gibson
6. Rachin Ravindra(C)
7. Danru Ferns
8. Sean Solia
9. Logan Van beek
10. Hamish Bennett
11. Ben Lister
– Michael Bracewell looks safest VC pick considering his average of 27 with bat in 80 T20s and 95 runs against the opponent last season at an average of 32.
– Rachin Ravindra looks best captain pick as he’s coming from practice matches against WI & PAK in which he mustered couple of half centuries and took wickets too.
– Hamish Bennett picked up 17 wickets last season in 11 matches at an average of 10.8 and ended up as highest wicket taker for Wellington.
– Logan Van beek might end up amongst highest point getters in D11 as he will be bowling full overs & will do late hitting too.
– Sean Solia & Danru Ferns might be other two good picks as they will get much opportunities to bat & bowl 2-3 overs too.
Small League Combination 2 –
1. Lauchie Johns
2. Troy Johnson
3. Michael Bracewell
4. Robert O Donnell
5. William O Donnell
6. Rachin Ravindra(C)
7. Sean Solia(VC)
8. Ryan Harrison
9. Peter Younghusband
10. Hamish Bennett
11. Ben Lister
– Sean Solia can be a good punt VC as he’s expected to open the innings for Auckland & bowl 2-3 overs too.
– Peter Younghusband has done well in his FC & LA career by taking wickets consistently so we can expect him to do so in this game too.
– Robert O Donnell has scored runs at an average of approx 50 in his T20 career which makes him a must pick.
– William O Donnell has been good in LA matches with 485 runs at an average of 34.6 so he might prove to be a good punt especially while batting first.
– Ryan Harrison can be another good punt as he’s expected to bat at three down & bowl couple of overs too.
Grand League Combination –
1. Lauchie Johns
2. Fraser Colson
3. Michael Bracewell
4. William O Donnell
5. Rachin Ravindra
6. Sean Solia
7. Ryan Harrison(VC)
8. Danru Ferns
9. Logan Vab beek
10. Hamish Bennett(C)
11. Ross ter Braak
– Expecting 2-3 wickets from Bennett considering his stats of last season which are quite impressive.
– Ryan Harrison might prove to be a good captain in GL as he’s expected to bat up the order & bowl 2-3 overs too.
– Ross ter Braak might be another good GL pick considering his pace which might suit this surface.