Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars, Big Bash League 2020-21, Today Match Prediction 26 Dec 2020

sys vs mls Match Prediction & Analysis

The 2nd and 3rd placed teams in the ongoing Big Bash League will be clashing on the 26th of December in what promises to be a scintillating contest. Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers have both played 3 games and won 2. However, the Stars are at the 2nd position since they haven’t lost a match yet and their last game was called off. The Sixers, meanwhile, are coming off two consecutive wins and are looking like the team to beat in the competition. Hence, when they take on Melbourne Stars at the Carrara Oval next, we can expect sparks to fly.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Sydney Sixers Preview

After a loss in their first game of the season, the Sydney Sixers came back strongly to win their next two matches with comfort. In their previous match, they registered a thumping 38-run win against the Adelaide Strikers. After batting first, they put on a commanding total of 177-5 on the board and restricted the opposition for 139-7.

Sydney’s batting is looking in really good health. While their top-order was in form in the match against Melbourne Renegades a couple of games back, their middle-order contributed to this victory. Captain Daniel Hughes struck a fine 46 while Daniel Christian made a sensational 15-ball fifty to give the team the momentum in the middle overs. This makes Sydney’s batting look so dangerous now.

Their bowling unit too is performing well as has plenty of variety. Steve OKeefe has taken 5 wickets for just 24 runs in the last two games and has become the ace in the pack for the Sixers. The likes of Jason Holder, Ben Manenti, Daniel Christian, and Carlos Brathwaite are doing a fine job as well.
 

Sydney Sixers Predicted Playing XI:

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

Melbourne Stars Preview

The Melbourne Stars haven’t suffered a loss yet in this season and would like to continue that form. Their last game against Perth Scorchers was called off due to rain after they had restricted the opposition for 158-6 in 17 overs. Before that, the Stars have secured comfortable wins against Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat.

Melbourne appears to have a solid all-round unit this time. In Marcus Stoinis and Andre Fletcher, they have a fine opening duo. Stoinis, in particular, is in red hot form. Captain Glenn Maxwell is another one who has been in amazing touch and would be the man to watch out for in the middle overs along with the feisty Nicholas Pooran. Ben Dunk and Nick Larkin could make an impact lower down the order.

The Stars also have a good bowling unit with the likes of Billy Stanlake and Nathan Coulter-Nile doing the job upfront. Nic Maddinson, whose primary role is that of a batsman, played his first game of the season against the Scorchers and returned with figures of 2-8 in 2 overs with his left-arm spin. This should give the team more confidence. With the team having some more fine spin bowling options too, Melbourne has most bases covered.

Melbourne Stars Predicted Playing XI:

Marcus Stoinis, Andre Fletcher, Hilton Cartwright, Glenn Maxwell (c), Nicholas Pooran (wk), Nic Maddinson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Clint Hinchliffe/Adam Zampa, Liam Hatcher, Billy Stanlake, Ben Dunk

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

There hasn’t been a game played at the Carrara Oval in Queensland this season. However, the pitch is expected to be a little on the slower side. Batting initially will be fine, but the ball will not come on that easily if there’s some moisture on the pitch. Moreover, the surface is likely to slow down soon and the spin bowlers should get some purchase here. 
The weather forecast for the day of the game isn’t very bright. Some showers are expected and we may get another truncated game.
 

Venue Details

There’s just been one T20I match played at the Carrara Oval in Queensland – between Australia and South Africa in 2018. It was a rain-curtailed match where the Proteas scored 108-6 in 10 overs and restricted the home team for 87-7. In this game, the team batting first should be targeting a total of 150-160 as the conditions are likely to be different because of the chances of rain.
 

Toss: To Bowl

The team winning the toss is likely to bat second. While setting a strong total and then stifling the opposition teams has worked so far this season, there are some chances of rain during the day and hence chasing would be better.

SYS vs MLS
Winning Prediction

The Sydney Sixers have won all three last three games played between them and the Melbourne Stars. However, things won’t be that easy this time. Both the teams are almost equally strong and looking in really good shape. The Sixers are in terrific batting form and can take the game away from anyone. However, the Stars have a better all-round unit and hence have that slight edge. It should be a close contest but expect the Melbourne Stars to prevail in the end.
 

We are backing the Melbourne Stars as the winners of this contest.

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