Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder, Super Smash 2018/19, Today Match Prediction 31 Dec 2018

ads vs syt Match Prediction & Analysis

Hosts Adelaide Strikers will be looking to finally turn their form around when they will face Sydney Thunder in the 14th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) in Adelaide on Monday. 

Strikers will be desperate to their fortunes around after managing to win just only one out of the three matches played so far. 

On the other hand, Sydney Thunder will be keen to back to winning ways after suffering defeat at the hands of Hobart Hurricanes in a game played on Friday. Captain Shane Watson will be hoping that the side can improve their game with the bat and ball against Adelaide Strikers.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Adelaide Strikers Preview

In their last match, Strikers suffered another demoralizing defeat against Perth Scorchers. Reigning champions have been inconsistent so far in the competition.

In the batting department, the team will be banking on the form of wicket-keeper batsman Alex Carey, who has managed to score 86 runs in three matches at an average of 28.66.The team’s biggest disappointment so far is the form of Captain Colin Ingram, who has managed to score just 24 runs in 3 matches at an average of 8.00.

Jonathan Wells and Matthew Short have produced crucial performances for Strikers in this year’s tournament.

In the bowling department, Strikers will be relying on the likes of pacer Billy Stanlake and leg-spinner Rashid Khan, as both claimed 5 wickets each so far. 

Medium-pacer Ben Laughlin has only managed to claim one wicket in his first three matches, which must be a big cause of concern for the team management. 

Adelaide Strikers Predicted Playing XI:

Colin Ingram (captain), Alex Carey (wk), Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Ben Laughlin, Jake Weatherald, Matthew Short, Jonathan Wells, Billy Stanlake, Rashid Khan, Carmen Valente.

Sydney Thunder Preview

On the other hand, Sydney Thunder will be keen to continue their good form in this game as well. The franchise is currently third in the league table with four points to their name.

In the batting department, the team will be depending on Captain Shane Watson and opener Jos Buttler to do bulk of the scoring. Watson hasn’t done much with the bat and is averaging 20.33 from three games played so far in the competition.

Wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler so far is Sydney Thunder’s highest run getter in the competition with 172 runs in three matches at an average of 57.33. Youngster Jason Sangha has looked impressive with the bat so far in the competition.

Daniel Sams and Callum Ferguson will need to produce consistency with the bat to help Sydney Thunder get back on the track in the competition.

In the bowling department, the team is heavily dependent on left-arm medium-pacer Daniel Sams, who is side’s leading wicket in the competition with six wickets to his name. The spin duo of Chris Green and Fawad Ahmad has done a decent job with the ball in the three games played.

Sydney Thunder Predicted Playing XI:

Shane Watson (captain), Jos Buttler (wk), Jason Sangha, Joe Root, Daniel Sams, Callum Ferguson, Chris Green, Fawad Ahmad, Jonathan Cook, Nathan McAndrew, Sam Rainbird

Weather Conditions

The Adelaide Oval traditionally has seen some placid pitches produced over the years. The spinners get considerable amount of assistance from the surface. The weather forecast predicted for the game is dry and sunny.

Venue

The venue generally provides plenty of assistance to the spinners. The last game played here was between Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades on Sunday.

Toss: To Bowl

The side that wins the toss would like bowl first and restrict the opposition to a modest total. Hosts Adelaide Strikers will have an advantage as they know the conditions at the venue.