Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars taking place? Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars will take place on Sunday 12th December, 2021 at 08:15 (UK)

Where is Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars taking place? Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars will take place at Sydney Showground Stadium in Sydney

What is the expected weather for Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars? 18-20c dry with sunny intervals, before light cloud later and a moderate breeze throughout

Where can I get tickets for Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars? Click here for the latest ticket information for Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars

What TV channel is Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars on in the UK? Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars will be televised live on Sky Sports

Where can I stream Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars live on Sky Go

THE TEAM NEWS

SYDNEY THUNDER

• Sydney Thunder have endured a mixed start to their BBL campaign so far, beating Brisbane Heat in their opening match before most recently falling to a narrow four-run defeat at the hands of Melbourne Stars, who they will rematch here.
• English overseas player Sam Billings have enjoyed a good start to his time at the Thunder with the bat and his side will be hoping for a more significant contributions from Billings’ fellow countryman Alex Hales at the top of the order.

MELBOURNE STARS

• Melbourne Stars picked up their first win of this season’s BBL last time out, narrowly defending a total of 165/4 thanks to some excellent bowling from the likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile alongside spin-duo Adam Zampa and Afghanistan overseas star Qais Ahmad.
• All-rounder Marcus Stoinis made his first appearance of the competition for the Stars injury and seemed to come through without aggravating the injury that had kept him out up to this point, so should feature again with West Indian international Andre Russell making his second appearance of the tournament.

THE PREDICTION

Having got that first win under their belt, Melbourne Stars look in a good position to kick on from here and certainly boast the personnel to do so. The likes of Stoinis, Maxwell, Russell and Zampa far outweighs Sydney Thunder in terms of star quality, however it would be foolish to underestimate the Thunder, who are a very strong team unit with a dangerous bowling attack in particular. Another close encounter between these two sides is expected, but the momentum and all-round firepower of Melbourne Stars may just see them gain the edge once again over the Thunder and secure a second straight BBL victory.