The post-Christmas action in the Big Bash League sees a double header taking place and we begin at the Sydney Cricket Ground where the Sydney Sixers go up against the early pacesetters in BBL15 in the form of Melbourne Stars.
The Sixers go into the match in third in the standings but it is the Stars who lead the way in the table and they will be looking to extend their lead at the top in this contest so there is plenty to play for as far as both teams are concerned.
Sydney Sixers
After a couple of disappointing and maybe surprise defeats to open up their season, the Sydney Sixers got their first win last time out when they took their rivals Sydney Thunder to the cleaners. Their victory was so emphatic that even though they have one win and two defeats through three matches, they still sit third in the early table with their net run rate superior to all of the teams below them in the relatively early standings. The Sixers will be hoping to kick on from their derby win.
Everything worked for them in that Sydney derby. They put up a big score with their top three all scoring runs and that allowed their bowlers to get a grip on the contest, one which they never relented at any point. That is generally the blueprint for Sixers success in past seasons so they will be delighted to see the form returning for the players who they really need to step up and be counted. If they bowl well here they should be tough to stop.
Melbourne Stars
We are used to the Melbourne Stars making the imperfect start to their season but this time around they have won their opening two matches, won them pretty emphatically it must be said, and have already laid the platform to go on and push for that elusive first title. They will be keen not to have peaked at the point in the season where nothing is won and lost but they would rather be in this position than last year where they lost their opening five matches and needed a miracle to reach the postseason.
The Stars’ batting looks to have come on a notch since last year. They have been faced with a couple of potentially awkward mid-range run chases which could have been tough had they allowed them to be but they got the job done in dominant style on both occasions so both their bowlers and their batters deserve a lot of credit for that. It will be interesting to see how the Stars go if they are made to bat first but for now they can be very content with their early season work.
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Key Players
Josh Philippe propelled the effort with the bat for the Sydney Sixers last time out and if he can keep on scoring big then those around him who are more stroke players will have the freedom to bat to their strengths too so the Sixers will hope for more of the same from him.
Sam Harper reminded everyone how good he is at the top of the order in the previous match when he clattered 55 off just 36 balls in Adelaide and the Stars will be hoping to see another positive innings to set the game up from him too.
Betting
There was a lot to like about the Sydney Sixers last time out and if they are clicking into gear then they might be tough to beat here because they know how to get the job done in this competition. To be fair to the Melbourne Stars, they have started the season very well and their two wins are completely legitimate but Sydney Cricket Ground isn’t the easiest to play at for visiting sides and I fancy the Melbourne Stars could get found out here.
The Stars are going to be without Tom Rogers for this match which will mean a reshuffle to their batting order whereas the Sixers are going to have Sean Abbott back which will bolster their bowling unit and deepen their batting. I still believe that the Sixers are the better team of the two even though the Stars have started the season well and at even money I think the home side are the value to come through this one.
Tips
Back Sydney Sixers to beat Melbourne Stars for a 3/10 stake at 2.00 with Betway
