We have our first city derby of the Big Bash League season on Saturday when the two Sydney sides collide at the Sydney Cricket Ground as the Sydney Sixers host the Sydney Thunder in what feels like an important game for both sides.
The Thunder have flown out of the blocks this season and while the Sixers have a couple of wins to their name, they are lacking a bit of consistency, which will be enough of a concern to them to focus them for the matches to come.
Sydney Sixers
When the Sixers thrashed the Perth Scorchers on this ground to open up their campaign there were many who thought the Sixers were rounding into gear for another big season. That feeling was escalated when they reduced the Hobart Hurricanes to a nothing score in their second game but their batting effort in that match was pathetic and they go into this one with two wins and two defeats from their four matches.
The concern for those who follow the Sixers would be that so far they have only beaten the Perth Scorchers and right now that isn’t looking as strong a form guide as they might have wanted. They are going to have to find some consistency with the bat if they want to put together a big run this season, but they have already shown plenty with the ball to suggest that they can get the job done if they are given runs to play with.
Sydney Thunder
Had it not been for the smoke coming in when it did in Alice Springs, the Sydney Thunder could well be three wins from three and leading the way in the tournament. As it is they have a couple of wins and a frustrating no result. They have had a week off since that shambles against the Adelaide Strikers to take stock of where they are in good touch and what might need to improve, so I would expect an even better display from them here.
The big thing for the Sydney Thunder has been the performance of their top five but unlike in previous seasons they have a good looking bowling attack too. It is no fluke that they are where they are in the competition. The pitches this season have offered up some spin and their attack is really enjoying that. Their batsmen aren’t minding it either so you fancy the Thunder could take a bit of beating here.
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Team News
Sydney Sixers have named an unchanged squad after getting over the line against the Perth Scorchers last time out. It would be something of a surprise if they do not go in with an unchanged XI as well.
Sydney Thunder are also going in with the same squad as their last match and given how comfortable they were looking in it, once again it would be something of a surprise if they make any changes too.
Betting
I like the Sydney Thunder here. I think they are the more complete team of the two. The Sydney Sixers lack a batsman in my eyes and if Josh Philippe doesn’t come off at the top of the order they will be heavily exposed, especially if their out of form players are up against spinners not coming onto the bat and having to try and get the ball away themselves. I don’t really see a weakness in the Sydney Thunder right now I have to say.
I don’t envisage this will be a high scoring match but I think that suits the Sydney Thunder too. Their extra batting depth would give them enough about them to get over the line in a tight one and if it is a high scoring game the chances are it is the Thunder doing most of the scoring. This Sydney wicket looks to suit the slower attack and that also belongs to the Thunder so that is the direction my money is heading.
Tips
Back Sydney Thunder to beat Sydney Sixers for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Betfair
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