After the long wait here we have the much-awaited clash of the Big Bash League 2020. Yes, we have the Melbourne derby. The Melbourne Stars will lock horns with the Melbourne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, this Sunday, in what will mark the 42nd match of the BBL 2020.
Though the Renegades are virtually out of the tournament after managing to win just 2 games out of 10 and this is by far the worst season for the Renegades in BBL. The Stars on the other side managed to hammer the Adelaide Strikers by 111 runs in their previous encounter and managed to jump to the 4th spot in the table.
The Stars though will know the job is only half done as the table is getting closer like never before. There are four teams who are currently at 20 points and it looks very likely for the bash point and net rate to come into play for the qualification scenario. A win here for Glenn Maxwell and Co. will push them to third place while gaining a bash point could see them settle in a comfortable second position.
The teams will be facing each other for the first time this season. The teams have played 18 matches between them and the Stars by far dominate the head to head, winning 13 matches out of them.
Can the Renegades salvage pride by winning the Melbourne derby? Or will Glenn Maxwell and Co. score back to back wins?
Match Toss Time: 18:45 Local (13:15 IST)
Match Start Time: 19:15 Local (13:45 IST)
Match Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Weather Report
The conditions possess no threat for the game as clear skies are expected throughout the day. The temperature is expected to be hovering in the 19-15 degree Celsius and the humidity at the peak is likely to touch the 56 percent mark.
Pitch
The previous match played here saw the Stars make full use of their home conditions and dominate the Strikers. The pitch is in favor of the batsman but the initial few overs have been a challenge. The Strikers were bundled out for 68, do let that deceive your views on the pitch as it’s still ideal for batting.
Team News
Stars managed to jump 3 places on the table with the hammering of Strikers. The teams look in great touch in the last few games and the biggest positive would be the form of their West Indian opener-Andre Fletcher. The 33-year old hard-hitter was finding the going really tough but his decision to study the pitch and then play the shots did work out and managed to play a match-winning knock of 89* (49) which earned him his first Man of the Match award this season.
Renegades on the other side have a strong unit but one should say the stars are not aligned in their favor this season. They have tried a number of changes to their side but nothing has worked in their favor. With their playoff hopes now long gone, they would be looking to feature their full-strength squad for the prestigious Melbourne derby.
Probable Playing Xl
Melbourne Stars (STA): Marcus Stoinis, Andre Fletcher, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (c), Nic Maddinson, Hilton Cartwright, Seb Gotch (wk), Adam Zampa, Billy Stanlake, Haris Rauf, Zahir Khan
Melbourne Renegades (REN): Mackenzie Harvey, Shaun Marsh, Aaron Finch (c), Sam Harper (wk), Jack Prestwidge, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Beau Webster, Imad Wasim, Kane Richardson, Peter Hatzoglou, Noor Ahmad
STA vs REN Fantasy Team
Sam Harper, Andre Fletcher, Nic Maddinson, Shaun Marsh, Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammad Nabi, Adam Zampa, Peter Hatzoglou, Kane Richardson
Captain Picks: Shaun Marsh (REN), Glenn Maxwell (STA)
Vice-captain Picks: Adam Zampa (STA), Sam Harper (REN)
Disclaimer
All the information on Cricwizz is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. The website does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. The website will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website.
