WF (Wellington Firebirds) vs OV (Otago Volts) Dream11 Prediction – 11th Match, The Ford Trophy 2025 (08 November 2025)
The 11th match of the 2025-26 edition of the The Ford Trophy 2025‑26 is scheduled between Wellington Firebirds and Otago Volts on 8 November 2025 at the Basin Reserve, Wellington. Both teams are seeking to pick up momentum in this domestic List-A tournament. Wellington at home will aim to use familiar conditions to their advantage, while Otago Volts will look to travel well and impose their game.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, 8 November 2025
- Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington
- Format: List A (50 overs)
- Match Number: 11 of the tournament
Team Previews
Wellington Firebirds (WF)
Wellington Firebirds come into this fixture with experienced batters and capable bowlers. Their home ground is known to assist swing and seam early on, while later the surface may settle for the batters. To succeed, the Firebirds would look to give themselves a strong start with the bat and take early wickets with the ball.
Strengths: Home venue knowledge, batting depth.
Challenges: Need to avoid mid-innings collapse, and finish innings strongly.
Otago Volts (OV)
Otago Volts possess a talented squad including aggressive batters and versatile bowlers. On the road, their challenge is to perform in away conditions and build partnerships. Their bowling attack will need to be sharp to succeed at Basin Reserve.
Strengths: All-round balance, power hitting.
Challenges: Adjusting quickly to opposition conditions, handling pressure in big moments.
Probable XIs (Tentative)
Wellington Firebirds
- Tom Blundell (wk)
- Tim Robinson
- Nick Kelly
- Rachin Ravindra
- Michael Bracewell
- Logan van Beek
- Jesse Tashkoff
- Oscar Jackson
- Nathan Smith
- Ben Sears
- Liam Dudding
Otago Volts
- Max Chu (wk)
- Llew Johnson
- Troy Johnson
- Dale Phillips
- Luke Georgeson
- Dean Foxcroft
- Jake Gibson
- Jack Boyle
- Andrew Hazeldine
- Ben Lockrose
- Jarrod McKay
Top Fantasy Picks
- Tom Blundell (WF): Wicket-keeper batter likely to bat high and keep; dual role adds value.
- Rachin Ravindra (WF): All-round contributor; strong upside with bat and ball.
- Michael Bracewell (WF): Middle-order batter + part-time bowler; good for balanced picks.
- Dale Phillips (OV): Aggressive top/middle-order bat; high ceiling in List-A.
- Dean Foxcroft (OV): All-rounder; contributes in both departments—smart pick.
- Andrew Hazeldine (OV): Seam bowler; can pick early wickets in conditions favouring pace.
- Ben Sears (WF): Specialist bowler; good budget pick for wicket-taking potential.
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
- Captain (2× points): Tom Blundell or Dale Phillips
- Vice-Captain (1.5× points): Rachin Ravindra or Dean Foxcroft
Match Prediction
On balance, Wellington Firebirds hold a slight edge given home conditions and experience. If they bat first and build a strong total, they can control the contest. Otago Volts have the potential to upset if they start well and apply pressure early with the bowlers.
Prediction: Wellington Firebirds to win by 4-6 wickets, assuming they chase; or by 20-30 runs if they bat first.
Fantasy Tips
- Wait for the toss and confirmed playing XI before finalising your team.
- Prioritise players who bat in the top 5 for exposure to more deliveries.
- Include at least one all-rounder and a wicket-keeper batter for dual value.
- A suggested split: ~6 players from Wellington Firebirds (favoured side) and ~5 from Otago Volts to hedge risk.
- Consider pace bowlers early on for value picks as Basin Reserve assists seam-movement initially.
Conclusion
The Wellington Firebirds vs Otago Volts clash offers strong fantasy potential. Key players to focus on include Tom Blundell, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, Dale Phillips and Dean Foxcroft. For Dream11 cricket players, build a balanced lineup mixing safe picks and high-upside performers. With Wellington slightly favoured, a smart selection strategy focusing on both teams will maximise chances.
