Sydney Thunder's challenge to halt Melbourne Stars' juggernaut
| Date | January 22, 2025 |
| Time | 2:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney |
| Format | T20 |
| Series | Big Bash League 2024-25 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- David Warner has odds of 2.35 to be Sydney Thunder's best batsman
- Marcus Stoinis has odds of 3.40 to be Melbourne Stars' best batsman
- Wes Agar has odds of 3.30 to be Sydney Thunder's best bowler
- Peter Siddle has odds of 3.60 to be Melbourne Stars' best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
It is the Knockout game in the Big Bash League 2024-25, and we will have the Sydney Thunder take on the Melbourne Stars. Both teams will play hard cricket, and the team losing this game will pack their bags and bow out of the tournament. The Sydney Thunder finished third on the points table and shared points with the Sydney Sixers in a rain-affected game. The team has struggled with its consistency in the last few games and shall look to put up a good fight in this game. The Melbourne Stars have been in phenomenal form and defeated the Hobart Hurricanes in the last game. They have won five games in a row and shall start the game with higher odds. It is a do-or-die game for both teams, and we expect them to fire all cylinders and make it competitive.
Sydney Thunder Preview
David Warner's team looked at its best in the first half of the league stage, winning four out of five games. They have won only once in the last five games, and their odds have dropped on cricket betting sites. They shared points with the Sydney Sixers in their last league game after rain stopped play. Warner and his men would like to put up a strong show in this game and take inspiration from their win against the Melbourne Stars earlier in the season.
David Warner must lead from the front and deliver a good start in this game with the young sensation Sam Kontas. The middle order hasn't done well in the last few games, and they expect good performances from Matthew Gilkes, Sam Billings, and George Garton. Chris Green and Hugh Weibgen must add quick runs in the lower middle order as they face a strong team.
The side will be under pressure on the bowling front as the Stars have their key batsmen in good form. Mohammad Hasnain and Nathan McAndrew must do well with the new ball to put the team in a strong position. Tanveer Sangha and Wes Agar must do well in the middle overs. The team will also expect a good show from Chris Green as the 5th bowler.
Expected Starting XI for Sydney Thunder
David Warner (c), Sam Konstas, Matthew Gilkes, Sam Billings (wk), George Garton, Hugh Weibgen, Chris Green, Tanveer Sangha, Nathan McAndrew, Wes Agar, Mohammad Hasnain
Melbourne Stars Preview
It has been a tournament of two halves for Marcus Stoinis' team in the league stage. They looked down and out after losing the first five games. However, with five wins in a row, they have booked a berth in the playoffs. The side defeated the Hobart Hurricanes by 40 runs in the last game to reach this round. The players look confident, and the team will start this game ahead on cricket betting apps. They have a poor record against the Sydney Thunder, and Stoinis expects a strong comeback from his team.
Thomas Rogers and Sam Harper have struggled a bit in the last few games and need to deliver a good start. The middle order has been rock solid and powered the team to big totals. The side expects big partnerships between Beau Webster, Marcus Stoinis, and the star player Glenn Maxwell. Hilton Cartwright and Tom Curran are powerful strikers and must use the long handle.
The bowling attack will face a challenge as Sydney Thunders packs a punch with the bat. Early overs will be crucial, and the team needs to make breakthroughs with the new ball from Joel Paris and Mark Steketee. Peter Siddle and Tom Curran are experienced bowlers, and their side needs strong performance. Maxwell, Stoinis, and Usama Mir add variety to this attack, making it strong.
Expected Starting XI for Melbourne Stars
Marcus Stoinis (c), Thomas Fraser Rogers, Sam Harper (wk), Beau Webster, Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Joel Paris, Usama Mir, Mark Steketee, Peter Siddle
TOSS: To Bowl First
It will be a high-stakes battle, and both teams would like to play it safe at the toss. Teams chasing the score have won more games at this venue, as the wicket has something for the bowlers in the early overs. The team winning the toss shall look to bowl first in this game.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
Sydney will have slightly overcast skies. The wicket will be fast-paced, and we expect it to be a high-scoring game as the ball will come onto the bat nicely. Batsmen will be able to play their strokes on this track. The team batting first will need 170 on the board to feel safe.
OUR PREDICTION
The Sydney Thunder have lost form in the second leg of the league games. The batting lineup has struggled with consistency, and the team expects a strong show from the top and middle order. The Melbourne Stars have momentum with five consecutive wins. They have their key batters in good form. As per our cricket betting tips, the Melbourne Stars will start favorites in this game.
Our Prediction is for Melbourne Stars to win
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