There is another double header in the Big Bash League on Saturday and it kicks off in Sydney as the second Sydney Smash of the season takes place at the Sydney Cricket Ground when the Sixers host the Thunder in a massive game for the defending champions.
The Sixers’ recent run of form has meant they can probably afford a defeat and still make the semi-finals. The Thunder go into the match knowing they will be eliminated from the event if they lose.
Sydney Sixers
I’m full of admiration for the Sydney Sixers this season. In the early stages of the campaign they were really struggling but that rotten run chase in Adelaide on New Years’ Eve has freed them up and since then they have looked every bit the side that won this tournament in the past. Another reason I admire them is they would have planned their season around having internationals available but they won’t see Steve Smith or Mitchell Starc all campaign.
The Sixers head into this match off the back of two wins in a row which has catapulted them up to third in the table and one more win will secure their place in the semi-finals. If that doesn’t come here they still have a match to come against the Melbourne Stars next weekend.
Sydney Thunder
The defending champions have been playing knockout cricket for two matches already and they are still living to tell the tale. They were within a ball of being eliminated by the Melbourne Stars but Eoin Morgan hit that ball for six to win and they walloped the Hobart Hurricanes last time out to keep their hopes alive.
Early on in the competition the Thunder batting was really struggling but that part of their game has really stepped up in the last couple of matches and with reinforcements coming in we should expect that area of their game to stay strong. They have lost a couple of bowlers in recent times though which could become an issue.
Team News
Sydney Sixers have their second overseas replacement Colin Munro on show for the first time in this match. He joins Michael Lumb as international imports. Nathan Lyon is in the squad but Steve O’Keefe remains out.
Sydney Thunder have now lost Pat Cummins to the Australia ODI squad so he will need to be replaced. Liam Hatcher is in the squad but it might be Arjun Nair who comes into the side.
Betting
This one should be an interesting match. The resurgence in form for both sides has been courtesy of batting second but someone has to bat first here and it will be interesting to see if whoever has to do it can still put up a total worthy of winning the match.
The Sixers are all the rage heading into this match but I’m not so sure about that. On one hand you could say Pat Cummins is a big loss to the Sydney Thunder but going at over 9 an over for the tournament he might be replaceable. Of more significance could well be the return to form of Shane Watson last time out.
Only two of the Sixers’ batsmen have more than 100 runs to their name this season and as such only two who have had more than one innings and are still around average over 21 for them which is a concern so if the Thunder can get rid of Daniel Hughes early they might well capitalise at a nice price.
Tips
WON – Back Sydney Thunder to beat Sydney Sixers for a 4/10 stake at 2.30 with 888sport
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Beware Colin Munro for the Sixes 😉