2020-21 Big Bash League – Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder taking place? Saturday 12th December, 2020 – 05:05 (UK)
Where is Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder taking place? Manuka Oval, Canberra
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder? Ticket information for BBL10 can be found on this link
What channel is Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder on in the UK? BT Sport
Where can I stream Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder in the UK? BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
MELBOURNE STARS
- Melbourne Stars were big winners in their opening match of BBL|10 as they did a very good job with both bat and ball which saw them comfortably overcome Brisbane Heat by six wickets and they will now look to make it back-to-back successes as they face a short turnaround.
- The Stars produced a solid performance with the ball in their opening contest against the Heat as they bowled their opponents out for 125 with Nathan Coulter-Nile doing the vast majority of the damage with a superb return of 4-10.
- Despite losing a couple of early wickets in their reply, Hilton Cartwright steadied the ship with a composed 46* and when he was paired with Glenn Maxwell who struck 46 off just 26 balls, the duo combined for a fourth-wicket stand of 75 which provided to be decisive.
SYDNEY THUNDER
- Sydney Thunder continued their poor record during the round-robin stage of the Big Bash League as they finished fifth during BBL|09 and whilst that was enough for a spot in the finals, they could not make it to a second final as they fell in their Challenger clash with Hobart Hurricanes.
- The Thunder have never finished higher than fourth on the ladder and that one occasion came in BBL|05 when they lifted the title, but greater consistency is a must if they are to make the finals this time around.
- They have been relatively quiet in the player market with limited movement in terms of both arrivals and exits but big-hitting Ben Cutting is a fine addition and he will complement a solid batting line-up that includes Alex Hales, while England international Sam Billings has been signed to join after Christmas.
THE PREDICTION
Melbourne Stars highlighted their all-round class with a comfortable victory in their opening clash of BBL|10 and while bigger tests lie in wait, they will take a lot of confidence from that success. They were impressive with both bat and ball with their ability to respond to a couple of early setbacks with the bat perhaps their biggest takeaway from the contest. They now take on Sydney Thunder who will make their bow in this year’s competition and it looks like it will be a tough test for the side who historically struggle for consistency during the round-robin stage of the BBL. The Thunder have the batting talent to pose problems but against the Stars’ deep batting line-up, they may not be able to match them in that department and the Melbourne outfit should be able to get the job done again to make it an unbeaten start to the campaign.
