Canterbury Kings take on Northern Knights at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on January 21, 2022. This is the battle of two teams who are in the top half of the table. Kings are in second place with 24 points from 8 games while Knights are in first place with 26 points from 8 games. This clash will almost make certain who will have the luxury of hosting a home finale.
Both teams have a long winning streak going. The hosts are unbeaten in their last four games, while the visitors are yet to lose in their last six.
The previous meeting between these two was a cliff-hanger. Needing a six to win in the last ball, Trent Boult struck a massive one to deep mid-wicket ensuring that Knights will filch the match by one wicket.
In their recent matches, Knights thrashed Firebirds by 6 wickets while Canterbury restricted Auckland as they won the match by 18 runs.
Canterbury will go ahead with the same squad for this match as well. Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell were looked in good touch in their previous match against Aces and will look to continue the same against Knights too.
Northern Knights, on the other hand, will be relieved to see Trent Boult and Tim Southee, their two frontline bowlers, return to the squad for this crucial match. Katene Clarke will also return after a lengthy injury layoff. Jeet Raval, Tim Seifert, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Ish Sodhi and Scott Kuggeleijn are the other top flight cricketers in the side.
With the performances so far, they are definitely favourites not only for this match but for the title as well. Canterbury needs to play out of their skin if they need to host the home finale.
Match Details
Canterbury Kings vs Northern Knights - 27th Match
Date and Time: January 21, 2022, 11:10 AM IST
Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Broadcast: Fan Code
Pitch Report
The Hagley Oval pitch will slow down as the match progresses. We have seen this throughout the tournament. Win the toss and bat first should be the mantra for the captains. The average score batting first is around 165-170.
Weather Conditions
According to forecasts, there will be no rain, and will be clear throughout the match.
Probable Playing XI
Canterbury Kings
Chad Bowes, Tom Latham, Leo Carter, Cole McConchie (c), Cam Fletcher (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Shipley, Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Edward Nuttall, Will O’Rourke.
Northern Knights
Jeet Raval (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Katene Clarke, Colin de Grandhomme, Henry Cooper, Mitchell Santner, Anurag Verma, Joe Walker, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult.
CE Fantasy XI
Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Anurag Verma, Matt Henry, Henry Shipley, Cole McConchie
Captain- Tom Latham
Vice-Captain- Jeet Raval