Fourth-placed Adelaide Strikers takes on second-placed Sydney Sixers for the second time in the Big Bash League.
Sydney had defeated Adelaide by 38 runs in their first clash. Adelaide lost to Perth Scorchers by 7 wickets in their last game.
Sydney won by two wickets against Melbourne Renegades.
Team News
A total of 146 was never going to be enough for Adelaide against Sydney. Only Alex Carey put up some resistance with a sparkling knock of 82. Though Wes Agar took two wickets, he was very expensive.
Sydney will miss the services of Jason Holder whose three-game contract with the BBL has expired. He can be replaced by Thomas Rogers or Justin Avendano. Jake Ball and Jackson Bird will also be available for selection.
Pitch and Conditions
The chasing team has won all the three matches played in Queensland this season so far. Even totals above 190 are not safe on this belter-like surface. The bowlers will have to be at their best and take wickets regularly to successfully defend a target.
Probable Playing XI
Adelaide Strikers (ADS): Jake Weatherald, Philip Salt, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (c & wk), Jonathan Wells, Matthew Short, Rashid Khan, Daniel Worrall, Danny Briggs, Wes Agar, Peter Siddle
Sydney Sixers (SYS): Josh Phillipe (wk), Jack Edwards, James Vince, Daniel Hughes (c), Jordan Silk, Daniel Christian, Thomas Rogers/ Justin Avendano, Carlos Brathwaite, Ben Dwarshius, Ben Manenti/Jake Ball, Steve O'Keefe
Key Battles
Alex Carey (STR) vs Steve O'Keefe (SYS)
Carey was the lone fighter hitting 82 runs in the last game. He is a vital cog in the middle order for Adelaide. Though he is not an explosive batsman, he depends on deft touches and smart shot-making through the gaps to get his runs. He takes some time to settle down. The captaincy and wicket-keeping burden has not affected his batting as he has scored 161 runs in just four matches this season.
O'Keefe went wicketless in the previous match conceding 33 runs in four overs. He is a wicket-taking bowler who can force the batsmen to play a submissive game. He is a proven match-winner in the BBL and does not leak many runs.
Wes Agar (STR) vs Josh Philippe (SYS)
Philippe smashed 48 runs in the last game. He is a clean striker of the ball and gets a lot of runs in the powerplay. The 23-year-old has hit 172 runs in five matches this season.
Agar gave away 43 runs and scalped two wickets in the previous match. He is the younger brother of Australian cricketer, Ashton Agar. He possesses genuine pace and is capable to take the breakthroughs in the powerplay. He has been an integral part of Adelaide since making his debut in the BBL in the 2016-17 season.
Prediction
A win for Adelaide could see them jump to the second spot in the points table. A victory for Sydney could see them become the new table-toppers. Sydney has a deep batting lineup while Adelaide has a few game-changing bowlers.
Cricwizz predicts Adelaide Strikers to win the match
