Central Stags v Canterbury Kings – 05/02/2021

Stags v Kings – Super Smash Betting Tips, Latest Odds, Team News, Predictions – 05/02/2021

Second-paced Kings have already secured their qualification into this year’s Super Smash Eliminator.

A win for the Stags would guarantee they finish ahead of the Northern Knights and set up a rematch with the Kings in the knockout phase.

Discover our free cricket betting tips for this clash.

Central Stags v Canterbury Kings – Match Preview

Canterbury head into this on the back of a win over the Otago Volts but with their passage into the next round already ensured.

There is every chance this will be a taster of that Eliminator contest. Should the Stags win or the Knights fail to take maximum points from their match, then these two could meet again next week.

The Stags need to bounce back from their defeat against table-toppers Wellington last time out.

Where: McLean Park, Napier

When: Friday, 05 February 2021

Start time: 11:40 IST (06:10 GMT)

Pitch conditions: Napier can be a high-scoring venue with short boundaries and decent batting conditions. It should offer plenty of opportunities for the batsmen to score quickly.

Weather conditions: The weather in Napier is set to be dry but overcast. The cloud cover and dull day shouldn’t impact the match with rain still unlikely.

Central Stags v Canterbury Kings – Latest Odds

It is the Kings that are made favourites for this. They can be backed at 1.83 with Parimatch.

The Stags are available at 1.91 with the same betting site.

Central Stags v Canterbury Kings – Team News

• George Worker – The Stags opener will be key for their chances of progression. The left-hander is challenging for the Super Smash top run-scorer title with more than 400 runs to his name this year. He heads into this on the back of 49 against Wellington.
• Josh Clarkson – The all-rounder has made some good contributions with both bat and ball for the Stags and will have to do the same again if his team are to progress.
• Blair Tickner – The right-arm bowler is the leading wicket-taker this year with 14 in nine matches for the Stags. He drew a blank in the previous game but took two wickets the last time he was in Napier.
• Cole McConchie – He is the top run-scorer for the Kings this Super Smash and chalked up his second half-century of the tournament in the last match against Otago.
• Chad Bowes – South African Bowes looks back to form after a recent lean spell. He followed up his 44 against Wellington with 31 against Otago.
• Matt Henry – The New Zealand international pace bowler has had a fine tournament so far. He has 11 in eight matches and will look to lead the Canterbury attack once again.

Central Stags v Canterbury Kings – Betting Tips and Prediction

This looks like being a closely-fought contest between two sides that are separated by just one win heading into this.

Preference would go to the Kings given the form of their openers and threatening bowling attack. That said, with their place already secured in the next round it is the Stags that have everything to fight for.

Given how close this could be, looking at other betting markets to find value appears the best approach.

Kings to Have Highest Opening Partnership

While George Worker has impressed for the Stags, he has struggled for support at times.

Dane Cleaver has got out for 10 and 11 in his last two matches when opening alongside Worker and this opens up the chance for the Kings to have the better opening partnership.

Chad Bowes looks to have found form after a poor run and Ken McClure also looks in better nick alongside him. Both men have passed 30 runs in their last two matches.

Kings are priced at 1.91 with bet365 to have the highest opening partnership.

Back Bowes for Top Batsman

The recent resurgence of Chad Bowes means it is also worth backing him to be Canterbury’s top batsman in this match.

The South African had a long spell out of form but appears to have turned a corner in his last two outings.

He followed up his fine 44 against Wellington by smashing 31 against Otago. He can build on that further knowing his side are already into the next stage.

His price of 4.0 with 22Bet looks a value play.

Worker to Lead Stags’ Charge

George Worker has shone with the bat this Super Smash and looking in the mood for more runs with his excellent 49 against leaders Wellington in the previous game.

He already has one century to his name and has hit a half-century on two other occasions.

The batsman can still take the top run-scorer title and looks a solid selection in the top batsman market for the Stags.

He is priced at 3.5 with bet365 to take that accolade in a crucial clash for his team.

Read our round-up of expert cricket tips for this match.