Hallyburton Johnstone Shield - Wellington v Otago
Form
Only the weather has managed to beat the Wellington Blaze this season. It has had five of its 10 games ruined, but been dominant when it has managed to get on the park, including a comfortable win over the Sparks.
Otago has had five games written off as well, won three and lost two. Wellington has the better form.
Key players
So many wonderful players are unavailable due to White Ferns commitments. But Kate Ebrahim will captain the Sparks in the absence of Suzie Bates and is the competition’s leading scorer (359 runs at an average of 71.80). Swing bowler Emma Black (10 wickets at 16.10) and spinner Eden Carson (nine at 15.77) will be crucial as well.
Wellington will look to experienced spinner Leigh Kasperek to create pressure with the ball, while Jess McFadyen, Rebecca Burns and Georgia Plimmer shape as threats with the bat.
Prediction
Wellington was too good for Otago in the T20 final and is at good odds to complete the double.
Ford Trohpy - Central Districts v Auckland
Form
Funnily enough, the teams played each other yesterday. Auckland managed to get over the line there, chasing down Central’s 301 with five balls and three wickets to spare.
Central Districts has been the form team in the competition though, with five wins from five completed games. Auckland got off to a late start due to Covid and struggled early. But the Aces have won four of their five previous games before yesterday’s clash.
Key players
Auckland’s top four are the top four leading scorers in the competition. Martin Guptill smashed 137 against Otago earlier this week and Glenn Phillips is in dynamic touch, while George Worker has notched four hundreds in the tournament this season, including 139 off 144 balls yesterday.
But Central Districts have got Ross Taylor — New Zealand’s greatest ever one-day player, who again looked in good nick yesterday before falling for 59 from just 54 balls. The Stags also have an all-star bowling line-up of Adam Milne, Seth Rance, Doug Bracewell and Ben Wheeler.
Prediction
Flip a coin. Honestly, who would know? The Stags, perhaps.
