It is do or die time in the Big Bash League as the final matches for each side get underway to finish off the league phase of the tournament. They begin in Sydney on Wednesday when the Sydney Thunder host the Adelaide Strikers.
Adelaide Strikers head into the match knowing that their season ends here but Sydney Thunder can still qualify with a win although they will need other results to go their way in order for them to make the playoffs.
Sydney Thunder
The defending champions knew they needed to win their last four matches to have any chance of qualifying after they lost their opening four games and to their credit they are three wins to achieving that target. Another win here would give them every chance of making it through and the bigger the margin the better as net run rate will come into play.
The catalyst for their improved run of form has been their batting improvement. They have always had the options and the skills with the ball but their bowlers weren’t given the chance to show it earlier in the competition. They are now as the batting is delivering and suddenly they look like a force once again.
Adelaide Strikers
Defeat to the Melbourne Renegades on Monday has meant the season will end here for the Adelaide Strikers. While they can’t progress any further they can play the role of spoilers and they will hope with the pressure released on them they can free up and play their best cricket and if they do they can beat anyone.
Their issue all season has been with the bat. They have always had a light look to their batting line up but only two of their players have performed with the willow consistently and that has left them vulnerable especially in the second half of the season when some key bowlers have been absent for them.
Team News
Sydney Thunder are expected to stick with the side that absolutely thrashed the Sydney Sixers last time out. Carlos Brathwaite plays his final match regardless of whether the Thunder qualify.
Adelaide Strikers haven’t announced their squad at the time of writing but their options have been limited for much of the campaign so unless they want to blood some youngsters they could also be unchanged.
Betting
I’m not of the belief that must win necessarily equals will win but I do think the team that needs to win here will do so. I think the Sydney Thunder have built up plenty of belief and momentum and I don’t think that is going to stop here.
They are now batting better than at any point in this season while their bowlers have been on the money for much of the campaign. Assuming they can keep Ben Dunk and Brad Hodge in check I expect the Thunder to make it four wins in a row here.
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