Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers, Big Bash League 2020-21, Today Match Prediction 24 Jan 2021

syt vs ads Match Prediction & Analysis

Sydney Thunder came roaring back to form in their last game and took down table-toppers Sydney Sixers in emphatic fashion. Now, they are in the 3rd position with 27 points in 12 games and are almost certain of a playoff spot. Their next assignment is against Adelaide Strikers who too are coming off a comprehensive win. The two teams will now play two-back-to-back games and the Strikers, who are n the 5th position with 24 points and a net run rate of +0.159, would be looking to clinch both the games to assure their spot in the final four. We should hence have an exciting contest on our hands.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Sydney Thunder Preview

After suffering 3 losses in a row, Sydney Thunder was suddenly looking out of sorts and it looked as if the season might just slip away from them. However, they have charged back into form with a commanding win against Sydney Thunder, the No.1 team of the season. The win was achieved courtesy of a sensational 110 off 56 balls by opener Alex Hales that helped the team post a mammoth 232-5 on the board – the highest ever total in BBL history. Thunder registered a comfortable 46-run win and would be eager to continue that form.

Hales’ performance would have certainly given the team a boost. He is now the leading run-getter of the side with 462 runs. Apart from him, Sydney has skipper Callum Ferguson (312 runs) and Usman Khawaja (274 runs) to bank on. Even Sam Billings and all-rounder Ben Cutting (fresh from a 14-ball 33) in the last match, have looked good.

Sydney’s bowling has largely been dependent on leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha who has 20 wickets in the season. However, the others have been inconsistent. Nathan McAndrew has been quite expensive and Chris Green would need to take more responsibility along with Ben Cutting. 
 

Sydney Thunder Predicted Playing XI:

Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (c), Sam Billings (wk), Oliver Davies, Ben Cutting, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green, Adam Milne, Brendan Doggett, Tanveer Sangha

Sydney Thunder Actual Playing XI:

Alex Hales, Ben Cutting, Sam Billings, Brendan Doggett, Nathan John McAndrew, Christopher Green, Callum Ferguson, Adam Milne, Usman Khawaja, Oliver Davies, Tanveer Sangha

Adelaide Strikers Preview

Adelaide Strikers suffered a humiliating 111-run loss against Melbourne Stars last week. However, they came back strongly in their last game and registered a thumping 82-run win against Brisbane Heat after posting a dominant 197-5 on the board. That victory has now put Adelaide in the 5th spot.

The last victory was made possible because of a special performance by opener Alex Carey who blasted 101 off 62 balls. Carey now has 381 runs in the season and is the leading run-getter for his team. The others in the batting unit are in good form too. Jake Weatherald (290 runs) and Philip Salt (252), in particular, have been quite good. The return of captain Travis Head in the middle-order also gives the team a big boost.

Adelaide’s bowling is looking in a good rhythm right now and is being led brilliantly by Wes Agar (21 wickets) who is fresh off a spell of 4-27 in the last game. Then there’s the experienced Peter Siddle who took 3-13 in the last match. While the loss of Rashid Khan will be missed, these two seamers along with spinner Danny Briggs are doing a good enough job.
 

Adelaide Strikers Predicted Playing XI:

Alex Carey (wk), Jake Weatherald, Philip Salt, Travis Head (c), Matt Renshaw, Ryan Gibson, Michael Neser, Danny Briggs, Wes Agar, Liam O Connor, Peter Siddle

Adelaide Strikers Actual Playing XI:

Michael Neser, Phil Salt, Matt Renshaw, Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Jake Weatherald, Danny Briggs, Liam O'Connor, Peter Siddle, Ryan Gibson, TM Head

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at the Adelaide Oval has proved to be quite a belter for bating recently in the BBL. Batsmen have been able to play their strokes with abandon as the ball is coming on nicely to the bat and bowlers have had a difficult time. Spinners, however, who have some variations, can get some purchase in the middle overs. 

The weather in Adelaide for the day of the game is expected to be warm and clear.
 

Venue Details

In the last two matches played at the Adelaide Oval in BBL 10, the team batting first has posted 197-5 and 232-5 respectively. This gives an indication that the team batting first will have a definite advantage here and will be able to post a healthy score. A total of around 180-190 would be needed to feel safe.

Toss: To Bat

The team winning the toss should look to bat first as the batting teams have generally had a better record in this season at this venue.