Northern Knights vs. Otago Volts: A Nail Biting Encounter

Northern Knights and Otago Volts are among the top teams of the circuit, who are backed by robust team players and coaching staff. Though Knights and Otago are placed at the 3rd and 4th spot in the ongoing competition, these two possess great threat for their opponents in this years’ Ford Trophy. With teams itching to qualify for the next round, Knights and Volts would be looking to move on with positive intent and match by match approach. It would be very early to say that Otago is out of the competition due to its poor run rate. Otago is always capable of making a comeback and winning games instantly. Be it any opposition on paper, Otago is always up for the challenge, absorbing pressure and playing according to their strengths. Since 2018, Otago has defeated Northern only once by D/L Method in 2019. Northern managed to defeat Otago in the ongoing season in mid-December by 60 odd runs.

In their last meeting with Otago Bolts, Northern scored 243 runs while batting first on a tricky wicket offering reasonable assistance to bowlers and spinners. Anurag Verma and Brett Hampton would be looking to repeat their decent performances from the last encounter against Bolts. With the inclusion of many big names in the squad, Northern Knights are likely to play with a decent combination, strengthening their batting department. With the likes of Tim Seifert, Jeet Raval, Mitch Satner, C de Grandhomme, Ish Sodhi, Neil Wagner, and JG Walker in the side, Northern would be looking to come out all in, attacking Otago Bolts, who would be feeling the heat. However, many players might not be available for selection due to international arrangements. Knights would be looking to play with regular combinations and win the game against Otago Bolts. With 8 games played, Northern has only managed to win 1 game in the competition, with 3 games ending with no result.

• Tim Seifert;
• Jeet Raval;
• Mitch Santer;
• JG Walker.

Otago has been quite decent in the ongoing Ford Trophy season, managing to win 2 games out of 6 played, losing 3 and 1, ending with no result. Going in the game against Northern Otago is likely to take revenge from the 2020 defeat. Otago has reasonable batting and bowling lineup to limit Northern Batsman and win the game. With the likes of Neil Broom, HD Rutherford, DN Philips, A Kitchen, M Bacon, and T Muller in the team, Otago is likely to challenge Otago Bolts on the match day.

• Neil Broom;
• HD Rutherford;
• A Kitchen;
• T Muller.

Comparing both teams’ overall strengths and determined approach towards winning, Northern is likely to defeat Otago and add important points against their position. It would be a thriller of a contest with both teams trying to outclass each other.