Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder Preview & Prediction | BBL|14 | League Stage
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With the Boxing Day Test currently in progress at the MCG, Melbourne Stars decamp to Canberra, where they take on Sydney Thunder.
Date & time: Saturday December 28th 2024: USA PT – 12:15am / USA ET – 3:15am / UK – 8:15am
Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra, Australia
Weather: Dry and sunny, with temperatures between 22c and 25c.
How to watch: USA – Willow TV / UK – Sky Sports & Sky Go / Australia – Seven Network, Foxtel & Kayo Sports
How to get tickets for WBBL|10: Click here for the latest ticket information for Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder
Melbourne Stars Preview: The nightmare continues
Melbourne Stars remain the whipping boys of this season’s BBL so far as they just cannot find a way to win. Their latest defeat at the hands of Sydney Sixers has left them still without a point as they approach the half-way stage of their campaign. They’ll hope for better luck away from their usual home, as they leave the MCG to play in Canberra.
Of the Stars’ four losses so far, three have come failing to defend a first innings score, whilst the anomaly was the 15-run defeat against Adelaide Strikers, the only time the Strikers have won so far in BBL 14, which serves to sum up how bad it’s been for Melbourne Stars.
Sydney Thunder Preview: How to adapt with no Konstas
Whilst Sam Konstas lights up the MCG stage in the fourth Test between England and Australia, his BBL side Sydney Thunder look for a way to overcome the Stars. There will need to be a change at the top of the order with Cameron Bancroft likely to move up and open the batting with captain David Warner.
If was Konstas’ rapid half-century that set the Thunder on their way to victory against Adelaide Strikers, their one win in the league stage thus far but they’ll need to find new heroes if they are to succeed in this game.
Melbourne Stars Betting Analysis
There was one chink of light for Melbourne Stars last time out as Ben Duckett gave everyone a reminder as to what he can do. The England Test opener and one of ‘Bazball’s loyal lieutenants cracked a 29-ball 68 on Boxing Day vs Sydney Sixers. Unfortunately for Duckett and the Stars, it was in a losing effort as their first inning score of 194/9 was chased down. For bettors though, it’s Duckett’s individual capabilities that warrant focus and backing him to finish as his team’s top batter for a second match running has to be favoured.
Sydney Thunder Betting Analysis
The most consistent performer so far within this Sydney Thunder side is fast bowler Lockie Ferguson. Right-arm bolter Ferguson backed up his three-wicket-haul against Adelaide Strikers with 2/32 vs inter-city rivals Sydney Sixers, albeit in a losing effort. But Ferguson’s speed ensures he is always in with a chance of dismissing the opposition batter he faces and it’s well worth backing the New Zealand international to make it over 1.5 match wickets claimed in three straight BBL 14 fixtures involving the Thunder.
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder Expert Prediction
Whilst the loss of Konstas is a blow to the Thunder, they should be able to adapt against a side totally down on confidence and a franchise who have consistently disappointed not just in this season’s BBL, but in each of the last four editions as well. Fans are growing increasingly frustrated and who can blame them.
Sydney Thunder boasts all the tools needed to extend Melbourne Stars’ misery in Canberra and after having had ample time to stew on that agonising Sydney derby defeat, they’ll be chomping at the bit to get out there and put themselves back on the winning trail. Back Warner's men to do just that here against the basement Stars.
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder Top Tip: Sydney Thunder to win
