Acid test for the Stars after biting the dust in the first four games
| Date | December 28, 2024 |
| Time | 1:45 PM IST |
| Venue | Manuka Oval, Canberra |
| Format | T20 |
| Series | Big Bash League 2024-25 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Ben Duckett has odds of 3.05 to be Melbourne Stars' best batsman
- David Warner has odds of 2.85 to be Sydney Thunder's best batsman
- Adam Milne has odds of 3.40 to be Melbourne Stars' best bowler
- Daniel Sams has odds of 3.00 to be Sydney Thunder's best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
We are entering the mid-season of the Big Bash League 2024-25. The Melbourne Stars will fight for survival as they face a strong Sydney Thunder in the 14th match. Despite having a big total on the board, the Stars went against the Sydney Sixers in their last game. The odds are down for the team after repeated failures this season, and they must gather courage and fight hard to win this game. The Sydney Thunder also comes here with a loss against the Sixers. However, they have won the last three times they have faced the Melbourne Stars, making them confident. It is a high-stakes game for the Stars, and we will wait and watch to see if they can win and revive their fortunes.
Melbourne Stars Preview
Marcus Stoinis' team is staring down the barrel. It has been a disastrous campaign for the team, and they are sitting at the bottom of the points table. The team suffered its fourth consecutive loss in the last game against the Sydney Sixers. They struggled with the ball, failing to defend a big total, going down by 8 wickets. They have dropped on cricket betting sites and need key players to deliver the goods in this game and keep hopes alive.
Ben Duckett is the key batsman for the team, and he must do well at the top with Thomas Rogers and deliver a positive start. Glenn Maxwell must deliver in this game and add runs in the middle order with Marcus Stoinis and Sam Harper. The lower middle order is formidable, and the team expects runs from Hilton Cartwright and Tom Curran to take the team to a big score.
The bowling attack will be in shambles after their poor show in the last game. Peter Siddle and Adam Milne have much experience, and the side expects early wickets. The middle overs have been bad for the team and need good spells from Curran and Maxwell. Doug Warren and Marcus Stoinis will look to bowl well, and the Sydney Thunder batsmen will take them on.
Expected Starting XI for Melbourne Stars
Marcus Stoinis (c), Ben Duckett, Sam Harper (wk), Thomas Fraser Rogers, Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Jonathan Merlo, Tom Curran, Adam Milne, Doug Warren, Peter Siddle
Sydney Thunder Preview
David Warner and his team will look to move up on the points table. It was a heartbreaking loss for the side off the last ball against the Sydney Sixers in the last game. The bowlers look good, and Warner wants to cash in on that. They start ahead on cricket betting apps, and the Sydney Thunder skipper will eye a win to move up on the points table.
David Warmer will look to bring his experience into play and deliver a strong start in this game with Nic Maddinson. Cameron Bancroft batted well in the last game and will look to add runs in the middle order with Sherfane Rutherford and Oliver Davies. The team has good finishers and shall expect runs from Chris Green, Sam Billings, and Daniel Sams.
The bowling attack has done well for the team, and they need a good start with the new ball from Lockie Ferguson and Nathan McAndrew. Tanveer Sangha and Daniel Sams are in good form and will look to trouble the Melbourne Stars' batters with good lines. Chris Green completes a strong bowling attack for the team.
Expected Starting XI for Sydney Thunder
David Warner (c), Cameron Bancroft, Nic Maddinson, Oliver Davies, Sherfane Rutherford, Sam Billings (wk), Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha, Lockie Ferguson
TOSS: To Bowl First
In this format, side-chasing the score has an advantage. We have seen more teams win games at this venue while chasing the score. Both captains shall have this on their minds at the toss, and we expect the side winning the toss to bowl first.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
Canberra will have clear skies. The wicket will be fast-paced, and we expect it to be a run feast. The ball will come onto the bat nicely, allowing batsmen to play their strokes easily. The team batting first will need 170 on the board to feel safe.
OUR PREDICTION
The Melbourne Stars have their backs against the wall. A loss in this game will end their hopes of reaching the next round. The bowling attack has struggled in the tournament, and the team needs a good show from them in this game. The Sydney Thunder has a strong bowling attack and has an excellent record against the Stars, putting them ahead.
Our Prediction is for Sydney Thunder to win
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