Fourth-placed Sydney Sixers take on second-placed Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League 2020 (BBL 2020).
Melbourne is the only side in the league yet to lose a match. Sydney Sixers won their last game by 38 runs against Adelaide Strikers. They posted a competitive total of 177 onboard, with Daniel Hughes' solid knock of 46 and a blistering 16-ball 50 from Daniel Christian.
Melbourne was chasing a total of 159 against Perth Scorchers before rain affected the match and it was eventually abandoned. Billy Stanlake took two wickets. Liam Hatcher and Nic Maddinson were impressive with the ball scalping two wickets each.
Head to Head
Matches Played- 14, Sixers- 7, Stars-7
Team News
Sydney needs their openers, Josh Philippe, and Jack Edwards to score heavily. Jason Holder has been a welcome addition to their side but he needs to reduce his economy rate. Carlos Brathwaite and Steve O'Keefe have delivered well with the ball.
Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell have been the mainstays of Melbourne's batting line-up. The Caribbean duo of Andre Fletcher and Nicholas Pooran need to step up. It remains to be seen if Adam Zampa plays after being rested for the last match.
Pitch and Conditions
Queensland will host their first match of the BBL this season. The pitch is very conducive for the spinners as they can extract a lot of turn from the surface. The ball comes on nicely to the bat and sweet timers will relish batting on this surface.
Probable Playing XI
Sydney Sixers (SYS): Josh Phillipe (wk), Jack Edwards, James Vince, Daniel Hughes (c), Daniel Christian, Jordan Silk, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Ben Dwarshius, Ben Manenti, Steve O’Keefe
Melbourne Stars (MLS): Andre Fletcher, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Hilton Cartwright, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dunk(wk), Nic Maddinson, Clint Hinchliffe, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Liam Hatcher, Billy Stanlake
Key Battles
Daniel Hughes (SYS) vs Billy Stanlake (MLS)
Hughes scored 46 runs in the previous game. The skipper is a hard-hitting top-order batsman who rotates the strike frequently. He is a bit vulnerable against the short ball.
Stanlake had a good outing with the ball in the last match taking two wickets. He opens the bowling for his side and his express pace can trouble even the best batsmen. He can generate a lot of extra bounce with his nagging length.
Daniel Christian (SYS) vs Nicholas Pooran (MLS)
Pooran is making his debut in the BBL this season and is yet to score a run. He is an aggressive youngster and a stylish stroke-maker. The southpaw has a healthy strike rate in T20's courtesy of his exploits in the IPL.
Christian was adjudged the man of the match in the previous game for his all-round performance. He bowled a tidy spell with the ball taking one wicket for 25 runs. The useful medium-pacer is a consistent performer. He is a prove match-winner and can make a strong impact in a few overs.
Prediction
A win for Sydney could see them catapult to the second spot of the points table. A victory for Melbourne will enable them to become the table toppers. It will be a terrific contest between Melbourne's power-hitters and Sydney's wicket-taking bowlers. Melbourne have got rest of 10 days and will be raring to go.
Cricwizz predicts Melbourne Stars to win the match
