BBL 2023-24, STA vs SCO | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Usama Mir (X.com)

In the seventh game of Australia's prestigious T20 league, the Big Bash League (BBL 2023-24), Melbourne Stars will be taking on the Perth Scorchers. The Stars set the scene at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as they host the Perth Scorchers for their second game of the season on Wednesday (December 13). 

While the Melbourne Stars could not start their campaign with a win, they would look to make the most of the home conditions and make sure that they were off the mark with their first win of the season. On the other hand, the Perth Scorchers could not have a full game due to the controversial pitch situation, but they will come hard on the Stars to begin their campaign with a win.

---

ALSO READ

BBL 2023 | STA vs SCO, Match 7 - Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks

---

STA vs SCO: Team Previews

Melbourne Stars 

The last season of the Melbourne Stars did not go well, as they were at the bottom after the league stage games, and this time, they have not started their campaign very well. But it's still an early stage of the tournament, and they will surely try to make this edition memorable. 

Despite having some big names in the team they lost their first game against the Brisbane Heat, as after giving away 200 runs, they were bowled out for just 111. With Glenn Maxwell out because of an injury, Marcus Stoinis will replace him as captain and will be leading the likes of Thomas Rogers, Joe Burns, Liam Dawson, and Nathan Coulter-Nile.

The Stars possess the capability of putting up a show with an amazing set of players like Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, and Liam Dawson, who can bowl and strike some lusty blows in the latter stage of the innings as well. The Pakistani speedster can get to play his first game and replace the injured Maxwell.

Perth Scorchers

While all the teams have played at least one game, the Perth Scorchers are one of the two teams that are yet to play a full game in the tournament as their first match was abandoned due to a damp pitch. They will look to startle the Melbourne Stars on their home ground as they hope to play a full game.

The Scorchers are the most consistent team in the Big Bash League, as they have lifted the trophy five times. The Ashton Turner-led group, with the likes of Josh Inglis, who recently smashed his maiden T20I ton, and the speedsters Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, and Andrew Tye possess the ability to restrict any team to a low score.

Aaron Hardie, who was the leading scorer in the last season with Josh Inglis and Ashton Turner in the middle order will go hard on the bowlers of the Stars. With Hamish McKenzie presumed to be the leading spinner, the Scorchers are one of the most balanced teams in the league.

STA vs SCO: Match Details & Live Streaming

STA vs SCO: Melbourne Pitch Report 

The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground plays evenly for the batters as well as the bowlers. During the initial stages of the innings, the new ball tends to swing and seam a bit, but as the game progresses and the ball gets old, the batters will have the luxury to play their shots and score runs at a higher run rate. With the par score of 150, it will not be surprising if the teams put up huge scores, considering their powerful batting line-ups.

STA vs SCO: Probable Playing XIs

Melbourne Stars: Thomas Rogers, Sam Harper (wk), Joe Burns, Glenn Maxwell (c), Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Liam Dawson, Usama Mir, Joel Paris, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Olly Stone

Perth Scorchers: Stephen Eskinazi, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (wk), Ashton Turner (c), Laurie Evans, Nick Hobson, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Hamish McKenzie, Jason Behrendorff

STA vs SCO: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

STA vs SCO: Winner Prediction

Despite having the home advantage, the Melbourne Stars will be without their captain, Glenn Maxwell, and thus are on the weaker side of the contest. Perth Scorchers, who have been so consistent over the years, are expected to seal their first win of the season, as they are not only strong on paper but have in-form players who can get them over the line single-handedly.

---

ALSO READ

[Watch] Zaman Khan Knocks Over Ex-CSK Star On BBL 2023 Debut For Sydney Thunder

---