Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers Preview & Prediction | BBL|14 | League Stage
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We’re all set for what should be a thrilling Sydney derby with both the Thunder and the Sixers getting off to winning starts in BBL 14.
Date & time: Saturday December 20th 2024: USA PT – 12:15am / USA ET – 3:15am / UK – 8:15am
Venue: ENGIE Stadium, Sydney, Australia
Weather: Sunny and warm temperatures of 23c initially, which shouldn’t drop hugely once the sun sets.
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 Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers
Sydney Thunder Preview: Sams’ heroics gives Warner winning start
It was looking like David Warner was going to lose his first game as permanent captain of Sydney Thunder after his side were left needing 34 from the final two overs against Adelaide Strikers with just three wickets remaining in a run chase of 183. All-rounder Daniel Sams however, had other ideas.
Sams stunned the Strikers by smashing 30 runs off leg-spin bowler Lloyd Pope, including three 4s and three 6s with a wide ball thrown in. This left the Thunder needing just three runs from the final over, which Sams duly took care of despite a wicket going down to seal an improbable two-wicket triumph in Canberra.
Sydney Sixers Preview: Hughes injury mars Renegades triumph
We previously highlighted the depth of Sydney Sixers’ batting line-up and that really came to the fore for them in their first match of the season at home to Melbourne Renegades. Chasing 170 to win at the SCG, the Sixers made it home with five wickets and nine balls remaining as skipper Moises Henriques iced the chase with an unbeaten 53.
However, their victory came at a cost. Whilst Hayden Kerr was forced to retire hurt on just 4, the biggest blow came post-match with the news that Daniel Hughes (who did not bat) had suffered an aggravation to a pre-existing elbow injury while in the field. The Sixers have since announced that the ligament problem will see Hughes miss the rest of BBL 14, a savage blow to both the team and Hughes, who had come into the tournament red-hot following a brilliant T20 Blast campaign during the English summer.
Sydney Thunder Betting Analysis
Pre-tournament, David Warner publicly backed teammate Sam Konstas, indicating that the 19-year-old would likely open the batting with him. Indeed, Konstas earned the gig over Cameron Bancroft and it proved to be an inspired decision as the young batter racked up 56 off just 27 in a fearless knock that Warner would’ve been proud of. It’s been a superb start to the season in all formats for Konstas, whose confidence must be soaring right now and bettors should consider backing him to gain another 30+ runs this time around.
Sydney Sixers Betting Analysis
It is a testament to the Sixers’ batting line-up that they remain formidable on paper even without Hughes. James Vince got his BBL 14 campaign off to a good start with an important 40 whilst opening the batting, showing again why Sydney Sixers continue to bring him back as an overseas player. Australian conditions suit Vince’s style of play extremely well and batting in the powerplay offers him extra insurance when the Hampshire star ops to go aerial. Therefore, make a move on Vince to score over 24.5 match runs for the second game running.
Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers Expert Prediction
This is a very tough Sydney derby to predict following their first games of BBL 14. Whilst Sydney Thunder were second-best for periods of their match against Adelaide, they found a win to win against the odds which bodes well for the future. The Sixers meanwhile, were more dominant vs Melbourne Renegades but their inter-city rivals are expected to prove stronger opposition.
Whilst Moises Henriques’ side are favourites, there is more value to be had in backing the hosts to knock them off. Sydney Thunder managed to chase down 183 last Tuesday without significant contributions from players like Warner, Bancroft or Sherfane Rutherford. That cannot be ignored and suggests that their batting is a lot better than what many realise. With that in mind, backing the Thunder to claim Sydney derby bragging rights may be a shrewd move.
Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers Top Tip: Sydney Thunder to win
