Carrara Oval in Queensland will host its first match of the Big Bash League 2020 (BBL 2020) on Saturday. The match is set to feature the BBL 2019 champions Sydney Sixers and in-form Melbourne Stars. The Boxing day doubleheader will also feature Thunder vs Renegades early in the noon and the much-awaited Australia vs India. The cricket lovers are expected to have a tough choice to make on deciding which match to watch on.
The Sixers find themselves at the middle of the table with 2 wins from the 3 games played so far and a win here would propel them to the top of the table courtesy of a better net run-rate than Hobart Hurricanes. The introduction of bash point would mean that the Sixers have a chance to go one point clear of the current table-toppers.
Stars on the other hand are comfortably placed second on the table with 10 points from 3 matches and are the only team to yet taste defeat in this season. Sixers come on the back of a thumping 38 runs win over Adelaide Strikers. While the Stars could not enforce a result against the Scorchers as rain played spoilsport.
Can the Sydney Sixers climb their way to the top of the table? Will Glenn Maxwell and Co. continue their unbeaten run at the BBL 2020?
Match Toss Time: 19:50 Local (15:20 IST)
Match Start Time: 20:20 Local (15:50 IST)
Match Venue: Carrara Oval, Queensland
Weather Report
Unlike Canberra, the conditions in Queensland are ideal for cricket as clear skies are expected throughout the day. The temperature is expected to hover in the 25-20 degree range and the humidity at the peak is likely to touch the 56 percent mark.
Pitch
The pitch in Queensland guarantees to be an even contest between the bat and ball. The surface does offer help for the slow bowlers and the last few matches held here saw the spinners getting a very good turn of the surface. The batsmen will not find the new ball a challenge rather spin could possess a threat.
Team News
The Sixers have been doing a wonderful job so far this season and the inclusion of Jason Holder has strengthened their line-up. The all-rounders have bailed them out in both their wins and they would be hoping their top order clicks. They are likely to go ahead with the same playing Xl that won against the Strikers.
With no doubt, the Stars have been the best team so far and also have a very strong line-up. Nicholas Pooran did not get to open his account against the Scorchers as the match was called off due to rain and it is no doubt the top four of Stars, which includes Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Nicholas Pooran, and Andre Fletcher could demolish any bowling attack. The only change Stars would be making would be the replacement of Clint Hinchliffe by Adam Zampa.
Probable Playing Xl
Sydney Sixers (SYS): Josh Philippe (wk), Jack Edwards, James Vince, Daniel Hughes (c), Jordan Silk, Daniel Christian, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Ben Dwarshuis, Ben Manenti, Steve O'Keefe
Melbourne Stars (MLS): Andre Fletcher, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Hilton Cartwright, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dunk(wk), Nic Maddinson, Adam Zampa, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Liam Hatcher, Billy Stanlake
SYS vs MLS Fantasy Team
Josh Philippe, Hilton Cartwright, Andre Fletcher, James Vince, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Jason Holder, Daniel Christian, Liam Hatcher, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ben Dwarshuis
Captain Picks: Marcus Stoinis (MLS), Glenn Maxwell (MLS)
Vice-Captain Picks: Daniel Christian (SYS), Josh Philippe (SYS)
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