The one Big Bash League match on Saturday is a huge clash not only because it is the second Sydney derby of the season but also because it is near enough must-win for both the Sydney Sixers and the Sydney Thunder so there is plenty at stake.
The Sixers currently sit inside the top four while the Thunder are in the spot right below it and with his being the penultimate game for both teams whoever loses it will damage their semi-final prospects quite dramatically.
Sign up to 888sport before the Super Bowl to get 10/1 on a Rams win OR 8/1 on a Patriots win. Click the image above for these great odds. 18+ T&Cs apply
Sydney Sixers
The Sixers can actually guarantee a spot in the semi-finals should they win this match so the incentive is clear for them heading into it. They will still be in control of their own destiny should they lose it but they would be under pressure to win their final game and even if they did that their path to success would be made much harder.
Sydney Sixers are one of the form teams at the minute though having won their last three matches. It isn’t just that they’ve won those matches it is how emphatically they have won them. Those wins have been by 79 runs, nine wickets and eight wickets which in this format of the game is quite incredible. It shows every unit is firing on all cylinders and they are doing so at just the right time.
Sydney Thunder
Given that their final match is against the powerful Hobart Hurricanes, the Sydney Thunder could do with thinking that they have to win this game. They need to win it to remain in control of their own destiny too so you could make the case for this being a bigger match for the visiting side than the home one in terms of pressing for a semi-final spot.
The Thunder have run into the Melbourne Renegades twice at a bad time in this tournament and two of their last three matches have been defeats to them. They batted poorly in both of those matches and that highlights their weakness at the present time. If their batting order can get on top of the opposition then they have the bowling to deliver the goods. There is no certainty that their batting will do that though.
Team News
Sydney Sixers have unsurprisingly named an unchanged squad for this match after their emphatic victories in recent times. James Vince has provided a big spark to the side and they hope he has a couple more big performances in him.
Sydney Thunder have also named an unchanged squad for the contest which means that Baxter Holt will continue to deputise with the gloves. The Thunder could do with a big outing from their captain Shane Watson.
[the_ad_group id=”3624″]
Betting
I don’t know whether the Sydney Thunder are shortening because people are backing them in a must win scenario but I don’t like them either way. I’ve been keen on the Sydney Sixers throughout the season once their batting convinced me that it can deliver the goods and I see no reason why they can’t win this match.
Sydney Thunder are looking far too hit or miss with the bat for my liking at the minute and while their attack is doing better things they run into a red hot batting line up here. The Sixers’ bowling is pretty good too. I think they are the better side and even at 8/11 I’m perfectly happy to take them in this one.
Tips
WON – Back Sydney Sixers to beat Sydney Thunder for a 4/10 stake at 1.73 with Boylesports
Back them here:
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2019
