Match Preview
High Voltage vs Kramerica Industries
match 5954096
Big Picture
The heavy-hitting shield matches continue this week, with jonooo's now record holding High Voltage putting the shield on the line against the ever-competitive, Doc's Kramerica Industries. We may be about to enter uncharted territory in shield history if jonooo can defend the shield for an unprecedented 12th consecutive match. However, there is more than just the shield on the line, as these two sides occupy the top 2 spots in Div 1. With High Voltage in a position to possibly go 8 points clear at the top of the league, Doc has it all to do if a 3rd consecutive Div 1 title for jonooo is to be prevented. To add even more intrigue to the contest, several player absences due to national duties creates added complications. Be sure not to miss what could be a season defining fixture for both sides.
Team Profile
Kramerica Industries
With much talk surrounding the opposition and only one SOD Div 1 title in 40 seasons of FTP, it is easy to forget that Doc possesses one of the proudest records in NZ. Sitting 3rd on the all-time shield leader board with 33 victories in shield matches, Kramerica Industries have also won 1 SOD Div 1 title, 4 T20 Div 1 titles, and 2 YOD Div 1 titles. This speaks to both the longevity and consistency of Doc's performance at the highest level.
Kramerica's squad this season is remarkably young for this level, with most players in only their mid-20s. What they may lack in experience is made up for by talent, with several current or future NZ nats in the side. A key feature of Kramerica Industries is that they are greater than the sum of their parts, and each player tends to consistently perform well at their role. Having 5 batsmen with over 100 runs and averaging at least 27 in the league is testimony to this. It is this depth that has helped Doc to 2nd in the league despite rating well under 240k. However, it would be amiss not to mention that Kramerica Industries have within their ranks a real fast bowling star in Lisle Nichols. The season's leading wicket taker with 24 scalps in just 6 games has been in irresistible form this season and will continue to be a key figure for the rest of the season.
Here is what Kramerica Industries' manager Doc had to say ahead of the game:
"I think it's great that the NZ Community Shield had been resurrected. For me, it brings back nostalgic feelings for previous teams and memories of their successes. The first step to recapturing past glory begins this week. I've been employing a two-month strategy preparing specifically for this matchup. The 95 runs I scored in week 1 was all part of a clever ruse to lull jonoo into a false sense of security. I fully expect his lads will have their confidence shattered when I break into triple digits this week. We'll find out Friday if his more experienced side can hold their nerve or if my young squad can shock the world."
High Voltage
It is difficult to find enough superlatives about High Voltage these days. On the verge of a never seen before shield winning streak, the squad's performances have gained worldwide attention. But ... how many of those players will be around to defend the shield this time? With an astonishing 15 players away on national duty, jonooo will have to rely largely on fill-ins who are suspiciously past their 'best before' date. This is not a new challenge for the side, but it does bring about inevitable uncertainty.
Having come so far to claim the shield defense record, you can be sure jonooo will not want to relinquish it easily. High Voltage come into this yet again with shorter odds to win that their opponents, but if there was ever a time to bet against them it would be now. And is that MKMC exit at the hands of The El Dude Brothers still hurting?
Here is what High Voltage manager jonooo had to say ahead of the game:
"The potential record breaking Shield win will be a tricky one for High Voltage as we have 15 players off on tour this week! The task isn't made any easier coming up against a very capable manager in Doc. Fingers crossed my 2nd choice XI have enough in them to pull out the victory"
Pitch/conditions
Currently the pitch is expected to have a strong covering of green grass with some rain in the build up. This may change by game day, with a warm gusty nor-wester forecast to dry things out. Expect both sides to come in with a seam focused attack to make the most of the conditions. There should still be enough there for quality spinners to tie the batsmen down also. Pace and bounce is expected to play pretty true, and all-in-all some good runs can be expected with 270+ possibly a winning first innings score. The first 10 overs with the new ball will be crucial for both sides.
Players to watch
Lisle Nichols
It is a real boon for Doc that his chief destroyer will not only be available during tour week, but is also in the form of his life. The RFM has taken 24 wickets in just 6 matches this season, with a remarkable strike rate of 12.92 - yes, that is around about a wicket every two overs
If Doc is to be successful, expect Nichols to play a key role.
Rene van der Wiel
One international player who will still be available is van der Wiel. The Dutch fasty is the only bowler who could compare with Nichols in the league this season. With 22 wickets at an even better average of 7.36, van der Wiel is a proven destroyer with the new nut. Given the context of a tour week, one feels that the battle between the respective pace bowling spearheads of each side may be the factor that determines the result.
My pick
It feels like the week jonooo's reign ends. Tour week tips the balance. I sense a calm confidence among the Kramerica Industries squad that will see Doc primed to steal the shield.