OV vs WF Match Prediction : 20th Match, Super Smash 2025-26
Otago Volts To Win, 1.85
Otago have won more league matches than Wellington this season
Otago defeated Wellington earlier in the competition
Wellington’s batters may struggle against Otago’s stronger bowling unit, led by Ben Lockrose, Danru Ferns, and Matthew Bacon
OV vs WELL Betting Tips
The Wellington Firebirds' top order to score less than five runs in the first over of their first innings
University Oval often offers early movement for seamers, especially under evening conditions. Expect Wellington’s openers to begin cautiously, prioritising survival over scoring. With Otago’s new-ball bowlers capable of probing tight lines, a low-scoring opening over is a realistic outcome.
The first dismissal of the match to be caught
Powerplay intent encourages batters to attack early, frequently bringing lofted shots into play. On a surface where timing can be tricky, a miscued aerial attempt is likely to result in a catch.
Team form (Last 5 matches)
Otago Volts
Wellington Firebirds
Otago Volts host Wellington Firebirds in the 20th match of the Super Smash 2025–26 at University Oval, Dunedin, on January 15. While both sides have endured difficult campaigns, Otago possess the superior bowling attack and arrive with the psychological edge of a previous win over the Firebirds. This makes the Volts the smarter betting option.
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Otago Volts vs Wellington Firebirds Head-to-Head Record
The two sides have met 29 times, with Wellington leading the rivalry 18–11. However, recent form and the earlier meeting this season favour Otago.
Otago Volts vs Wellington Firebirds Live-streaming and Broadcast
In Australia, the Big Bash League is broadcast on Channel 7 and Fox Cricket, with live streaming options available through Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go, and 7plus.
For viewers in the Indian subcontinent, coverage in India is available on the Star Sports Network and streamed via Disney+ Hotstar. Fans in Pakistan can watch the matches on PTV Sports and Ten Sports, while those in Bangladesh can also tune in via the Star Sports Network feeds.
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports Cricket holds the exclusive broadcast rights, allowing fans to stream the action live on Sky Go and NOW.
You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbsports.com.
OV vs WF Team Previews
Otago Volts
Otago’s season has been underwhelming but still marginally better than their opponents. From six matches, they have recorded two wins, three losses, and one no-result, collecting 10 points with a net run rate of –0.665.
They enter this match after a defeat to Auckland Aces, but their overall form remains competitive compared to Wellington. Jamal Todd has been the standout with the bat, scoring 328 runs in his last 12 innings at an average of 29.81. Captain Max Chu has also contributed consistently with 289 runs in his last 11 innings.
With the ball, Otago hold a clear advantage. Left-arm spinner Ben Lockrose has taken 13 wickets in his last 12 matches, while seamer Matthew Bacon has claimed 12 wickets in the same period. Supported by Danru Ferns, Otago’s bowling attack looks capable of exploiting Wellington’s fragile batting lineup.
Otago Volts Expected Playing 11
Jacob Cumming, Jamal Todd, Max Chu (c & wk), Jack Boyle, Llew Johnson, Troy Johnson, Jake Gibson, Ben Lockrose, Zac Cumming, Danru Ferns, Matthew Bacon
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Wellington Firebirds
Wellington Firebirds are enduring a torrid season. They have lost five of their seven matches, securing just one victory and sitting bottom of the table with six points and a net run rate of –0.769.
They come into this contest after three consecutive defeats against Northern Districts, Otago Volts, and Central Districts. Confidence is low, and consistency has been lacking across all departments.
Captain Tom Blundell leads the batting with 327 runs in his last 12 innings, while Jesse Tashkoff has added 273 runs across the same span. However, the middle order has failed to provide stability when early wickets fall.
Bowling has been their one bright spot. Ben Sears has been impressive, taking 17 wickets in his last 11 matches at an average of 22.41, while leg-spinner Peter Younghusband has chipped in with nine wickets. Despite this, the Firebirds have struggled to defend totals due to their fragile batting.
Wellington Firebirds Expected Playing 11
Tim Robinson, Tom Blundell (c & wk), Rachin Ravindra, Muhammad Abbas, Jesse Tashkoff, Gareth Severin, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband, Ben Sears, Michael Snedden, Yahya Zeb
OV vs WF Toss Prediction
University Oval generally offers better batting conditions early before assisting bowlers later in the innings. The captain winning the toss is likely to bat first and aim to post a competitive total.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The average first-innings score at this venue is around 125, suggesting a potentially low-scoring contest. Wickets tend to fall steadily, with an average of six per innings. The surface may become slower as the match progresses, aiding bowlers. There is also a chance of showers, raising the possibility of a rain-affected game.
OV vs WF: Who Will Win?
Both sides have struggled this season, but Otago Volts hold key advantages: better form, stronger bowling resources, and a recent head-to-head victory. With batters like Jamal Todd and Max Chu in reasonable touch and a more potent attack, Otago are rightly favoured.
Bet on Otago Volts to win.
