Seventh-placed Melbourne Renegades lock horns against second-placed Sydney Sixers for the second time in the Big Bash League.
Sydney beat them by a convincing 145-run margin in the first clash.
Melbourne was thrashed by 129 runs by Sydney Thunder in their last match. Chasing a huge target of 210, their batting order crashed to 80 all out. Skipper, Aaron Finch managed to score 20 runs.
On the other hand, Sydney Sixers pulled off a thrilling one-wicket win against Melbourne Stars. Chasing a steep target of 194, Daniel Hughes kept them in the hunt with a scintillating knock of 96 before perishing in the last over. With Nathan Coulter-Nile injured, skipper Glenn Maxwell failed to defend 20 runs in the last over. They could have opted for Zahir Khan instead.
Head to Head
Matches Played-13, Renegades-5, Sixers- 8
Team News
Melbourne's bowlers had a bad day in the office in the last game. Mohammad Nabi was taken to the cleaners as he gave away 35 runs in his two overs. Imad Wasim also went wicketless. With Imran Tahir not going to join the team this season, the management can bring back Josh Lalor.
Sydney will be concerned with the form of their top order as both Jack Edwards and James Vince registered ducks in the previous match. Both Ben Dwarshuis and Daniel Christian were expensive. Steve O'Keefe needs to be given more overs.
Pitch and Conditions
The chasing team won the last match played in Queensland. Totals over 200 would be considered a safe score. Teams with deep batting line-ups can take the risk and chase down targets successfully. It has a great surface for batting especially for those who love to swing the willow hard.
Probable Playing XI
Melbourne Renegades (MLR): Shaun Marsh, Aaron Finch (c), Sam Harper (wk), Rilee Rossouw, Beau Webster, Mohammad Nabi, Imad Wasim, Will Sutherland, Kane Richardson, Zak Evans/Noor Ahmad, Peter Hatzoglou/Josh Lalor
Sydney Sixers (SYS): Josh Phillipe (wk), Jack Edwards, James Vince, Daniel Hughes (c), Jordan Silk, Daniel Christian, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Ben Dwarshius, Steve O’Keefe, Gurinder Sandhu/Ben Manenti
Key Battles
Aaron Finch (MLR) vs Ben Dwarshuis (SYS)
Finch made a return to the BBL after taking a short break. He could manage only 20 runs. He is well-known for his hard-hitting ability. He can play a blistering knock when the situation demands. He has to bear the captaincy burden to take his side above their poor 7th spot.
Dwarshuis took a wicket but conceded 47 runs in his four-over quota. The left-arm pacer is the overall second-highest wicket-taker for Sydney in the history of the BBL. He has become an important member of the squad after being on the sidelines for a long time. He is highly capable to make breakthroughs with the new ball.
Kane Richardson (MLR) vs Daniel Hughes (SYS)
Hughes played a captain's knock of 96 and deservingly won the man of the match award. He took the game deep and played the right shots when it mattered. The hard-hitter was severe against the spin duo of Adam Zampa and Maxwell.
Richardson took two wickets and gave away 33 runs in the previous game. He can move the ball around effectively with his raw pace. He can bowl in any stage of the innings and uses his clever variations to unsettle the batsmen.
Prediction
Melbourne have lost three matches in a row and would strive hard to get back to winning ways. After losing their first game, Sydney has strongly bounced back emerging victorious in three matches in a row. Sydney has more batting firepower and Melbourne has an experienced set of bowlers.
Cricwizz predicts Melbourne Renegades to win the match
