Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars, Big Bash League 2018/19, Today Match Prediction 27 Dec 2018

ss vs mls Match Prediction & Analysis

Going into the game, Sixers have 2 points to their name in 2 matches played so far, whereas Melbourne Stars are placed at the bottom of the league table with two consecutive defeats in the competition.

In their last previous game, Sixers suffered a 21-run defeat against rivals Sydney Thunder in a game played at Spotless Stadium, Sydney. On the other hand, Melbourne Stars suffered defeat at the hands of Hobart Hurricanes.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Sydney Sixers Preview

Sixers will be looking to put a much better show this time around with bat after losing to Thunder in their previous game. The top order crumbled under pressure as the side lost six wickets inside 10 overs.

With so much at stake, Sixers will be depending on left-handed batsman Daniel Hughes to lead the way with the bat. Hughes has scored a half-century so far this season and will need to put in a special performance to help Sixers get back to winning ways.

Apart from him, middle-order batsman Jordan Silk will be under focus as well, who after having an excellent start to the campaign, failed to produce a score in the previous game.

Opener Joe Denly has not done well in the two games played so far this season. Sixers will be hoping that Denly finds form with the bat in this game.

In the bowling department, pacer Sean Abbott is leading the attack after managing to claim 4 wickets in the 2 matches played so far with an average of 19.25. He is being well supported by experienced left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe, who has claimed 5 wickets so far this season.

Sydney Sixers Predicted Playing XI:

Moises Henriques (captain), Daniel Hughes, Jack Edwards, Joe Denly, Jordan Silk, Josh Philippe (wk), Sean Abbott, Tom Curran, Steve O’ Keefe, Ben Dwarshuis, Lloyd Pope. 

Melbourne Stars Preview

On the other hand, Melbourne Stars suffered defeat in their previous game against Hobart Hurricanes played on Monday. Glenn Maxwell and co. will be keen to make a strong comeback in this game.

In the batting department, the team will be depending on Captain Glenn Maxwell to lead from the front with the bat. Maxwell played well in the previous game against Hobart Hurricanes and scored 47 runs with the help of five sixes. He will need to continue his good form in this game as well.

Nick Larkin and Marcus Stoinis also scored crucial runs for Stars against Hobart Hurricanes. Players like Ben Dunk and Dwayne Bravo will need to put in crucial runs to help Stars post a competitive score on the board.

In the bowling department, the team will be relying on the spin duo of Adam Zampa and Sandeep Lamichhane, who have picked up wickets for Stars so far this season. 

Lamichhane has been excellent and is leading the bowling charts for Stars this season with 5 wickets at an average of 12.00. Scott Boland, Dwayne Bravo and Jackson Coleman will need to do better with the ball if Stars want to end their losing streak on Thursday.

Melbourne Stars Predicted Playing XI:

Glenn Maxwell (captain), Nick Larkin, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Dunk (wk), Travis Dean, Evan Gulbis, Scott Boland, Dwayne Bravo, Jackson Coleman, Adam Zampa, Sandeep Lamichhane.

Weather Conditions

The pitch will be good one for batting. The previous game played between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers turned out to be an excellent wicket with something in it for the bowlers as well. The weather forecasted for Thursday is expected to be dry and sunny.

Venue

The Sydney Cricket Ground has always been a good wicket for batsmen. Spinners rule the roost due to the nature of the surface at the venue. The quick bowlers will need to work hard to get wickets.

Toss: To Bat

Both teams will be keen to win the toss and bat first. It generally gets difficult to bat in the second innings as surface tends to provide assistance to the spinners.