Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers, Big Bash League 2020-21, Today Match Prediction 28 Dec 2020

prs vs ads Match Prediction & Analysis

It is a must win game for the Perth Scorchers as they play the Adelaide Strikers in the 17th game of the Big Bash League 2020-21. The Scorchers haven’t won a game yet this season and come here after losing to the Sydney Thunder in their last game. The Adelaide Strikers on the other hand would be confident after having snatched a win from the jaws of defeat in their last game against the Brisbane Heat. 

On paper the two sides are well-matched. Though Adelaide Strikers have won the last three out of four games between the two sides their batting line-up hasn’t really looked in great form so far in the season. The Scorchers have a star studded line-up with several T20 specialists in their team and this is likely to make this contest very exciting which could go either way. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Perth Scorchers Preview

Ashton Turner’s side hasn’t won a game yet and despite having one of the strongest batting line-ups they have lost two games and shared the points in the third. Their famed batting didn’t fare too well against the Sydney Thunder in the last game which they lost by 7 wickets. The side has enjoyed a long break and the skipper would have used it to regroup and they are likely to play aggressive cricket here. 

Jason Roy is likely to make his entry into the side in this game and he would be tasked with offering a good start in company of Colin Munro. Joe Clarke, Mitchell Marsh and Turner form a strong middle order and runs would be expected from them here. With Cameron Bancroft, Jhye Richardson and Aaron Hardie to follow in the line-up the side has plenty of firepower going into this contest. 

Jason Behrendorff and Richardson Richardson looked good with the new ball in the last game and the side would expect them to strike the Strikers’ top order early. Andrew Tye regained his form in the last game and this is welcome news for the side. They don’t have too much of variety in the attack with Marsh not bowling this season and expect the likes of Fawad Ahmed and Hardie to bowl tight lines in this game. 

Perth Scorchers Predicted Playing XI:

Ashton Turner (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Colin Munro, Joe Clarke, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Bancroft, Aaron Hardie, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Fawad Ahmed

Perth Scorchers Actual Playing XI:

AJ Tye, Jason Roy, Jason Behrendorff, Liam Livingstone, Josh Inglis, Jhye Richardson, Fawad Ahmed, Mitchell Marsh, AJ Turner, Aaron Hardie, Colin Munro

Adelaide Strikers Preview

Alex Carey who missed out in the last game against Brisbane Heat due to Covid-19 restriction would come back to lead his side in this game. The side did well in the last outing against Heat to win the game by 2 runs, holding on to their nerves. Carey would be aware of the pressure the Scorchers are in at the moment and expect a good show from his players in this game. 

Philip Salt and Jake Weatherald haven’t been consistent and the side would expect them to lay a strong platform in this game. In the middle order the side gas good strength with Carey, Matt Renshaw and Jonathan Wells in the side. The likes of Matthew Short and Rashid Khan have good striking abilities with the bat and they would look to do well in down the order here. 

Daniel Worrall and Danny Briggs did well in the last game with the new ball and they would be expected to keep the line tight. Peter Siddle was expensive and being the most experienced bowler in the side better would be expected from him here. With Rashid Khan in the side and Wes Agar they have one of the best spin bowling attacks and it will be interesting how much of rewards are they likely to fetch from the track at Adelaide.

Adelaide Strikers Predicted Playing XI:

Alex Carey (c & wk), Philip Salt, Jake Weatherald, Matt Renshaw, Jonathan Wells, Matthew Short, Rashid Khan, Daniel Worrall, Danny Briggs, Peter Siddle (c), Wes Agar

Adelaide Strikers Actual Playing XI:

Philip Salt, Matt Short, Matt Renshaw, Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Jake Weatherald, Danny Briggs, Peter Siddle, Rashid Khan, Daniel Worrall, JW Wells

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

There would be slightly gloomy skies at Adelaide on December 28 but the pitch is expected to be a good one to bat on as we have seen in the past. The bowlers will do get early purchase from the surface but overall it is a batting track and the side batting first will need a score of around 170 runs to feel comfortable at this venue.

Venue Details

One of the best T20 grounds in Australia the Adelaide Oval balances it out between the batsmen and the bowlers. While bowlers are able to extract early rewards from the wicket the shorter boundaries around the square and the flat surface makes run scoring easy. It can be a tough venue for the spinners as the smaller size of the venue makes it tough for them.   
 

Toss: To Bowl

Most teams have done well at Adelaide Oval batting first and it can be a difficult venue to chase as the pitch changes character. The ball tends to do a lot in the second half of the game and thus the side that wins the toss in this game is likely to opt for batting first on this surface.