Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers (ol), Big Bash League 2020-21, Today Match Prediction 29 Dec 2020

mlr vs sys Match Prediction & Analysis

Sydney Sixers have reclaimed the No.1 spot on the points table in the ongoing Big Bash League after registering a thrilling 1-wicket in their last match. It was a sensational performance and has given the Sixers a much-needed boost as they prepare themselves for the next phase of their season. They will be facing an out-of-form Melbourne Renegades in their next match on December 29 and would be looking to consolidate their position at the top. The Renegades are 6th on the table and have already been defeated once by the Sixers once in the season. Moreover, they are coming off another crushing loss. They now have a serious task on their hands as they clash with a red hot Sydney Sixers.
 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Melbourne Renegades Preview

The Sydney Sixers are easily the team to beat this time. After losing their first match of the season, they have come back to win three games on the trot. In their match against Melbourne Stars, especially, it looked like they had lost their way but somehow found their way back and clinched it. While chasing a target of 194, the Sixers had been reduced to 126-6 at one point by the 15th over. But an outstanding knock of 96 off 51 balls by captain Daniel Hughes earned them a special win with one ball to spare.

Sydney’s batting has been its main strength this season. Apart from Hughes, the likes of Daniel Christian, Josh Philippe, and Carlos Brathwaite have all contributed at different points. They have a long batting order too and no target is too big for them.

The Sixers have a good bowling unit as well. Steve OKeefe has been their main wicket-taker this season and has been ably supported by Jason Holder, Brathwaite, and Ben Dwarshuis. Christian and Gurinder Sandhu have been expensive at times and the opposition is likely to target them.

Melbourne Renegades Predicted Playing XI:

Josh Philippe (wk), Jack Edwards, James Vince, Daniel Hughes (c), Jordan Silk, Daniel Christian, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Ben Dwarshuis, Steve OKeefe, Gurinder Sandhu

Melbourne Renegades Actual Playing XI:

RR Rossouw, Aaron Finch, Sam Harper, Mackenzie Harvey, SI Wasim, Shaun Marsh, KW Richardson, Mohammad Nabi, Zak Evans, Peter Hatzoglou, Will Sutherland

Sydney Sixers (ol) Preview

The Melbourne Renegades seem to be having a horror season this time and are going from bad to worse. After a victory in their first match, they have suffered three straight losses. Moreover, these defeats have been seriously crushing. As if that 145-run loss against the Sydney Sixers earlier wasn't enough, the Renegades endured a 129-run defeat against the Sydney Thunder in their last game as well. Their morale would be seriously dented and it would be a huge challenge for them to overcome the Sixers again, especially given the contrasting form of both the teams at present.

In their previous match, the Renegades first allowed Sydney Thunder to amass 209-8 on the board and were bundled out for just 80 in reply. Their batting and bowling both have been poor this season and they have a lot of boxes to tick. Openers Shaun Marsh and Aaron Finch have really got to take responsibility at the top as the middle and lower order are fragile. Rilee Rossouw and Sam Harper have shown traces of brilliance and could be the batters to watch out for.

On the bowling front, the Renegades have been all over the place. They have now conceded two 200-plus totals and really need to get their act together. While Kane Richardson and Will Sutherland have been good, the likes of Peter Hatzoglou, Zak Evans, and Mohammad Nabi have been expensive. It remains to be seen how they fare against the robust Sixers unit this time.

Sydney Sixers (ol) Predicted Playing XI:

Shaun Marsh, Aaron Finch (c), Sam Harper (wk), Rilee Rossouw, Beau Webster, Mohammad Nabi, Imad Wasim, Will Sutherland, Kane Richardson, Zak Evans, Peter Hatzoglou

Sydney Sixers (ol) Actual Playing XI:

Jack Edwards, James Vince, Josh Philippe, Daniel Hughes, Steve O'Keefe, Carlos Brathwaite, Ben Dwarshuis, Jordan Silk, Jason Holder, DT Christian, Benjamin Manenti

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at Carrara Oval in Queensland is quite a belter. The surface is hard for the most part and the ball comes on nicely to the bat. Seam bowlers would have to maintain their lengths or they will go for runs. Spinners are unlikely to find much purchase but should get some bounce here.

The weather forecast for Queensland for the day of the game is mostly cloudy. There might a couple of thunderstorms but we should still get a full game.
 

Venue Details

As we saw in the last game here between the Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars, the Carrara Oval is likely to be a high-scoring venue this season. In the last game, a total match aggregate of 387 runs was achieved in under 40 overs. Expect another high-scoring game this time too. The team batting first would have to target a total of around 180-190 at least.

Toss: To Bat

The team winning the toss is likely to bat first. The wicket here is good for batting and posting a massive total batting first should be the way to go.