Manuka Oval Canberra Pitch Report For STA vs THU BBL 2024-25 Match 14

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: Dec 27 2024, 1:45 PM

Manuka Oval, Canberra [Source: @TheRealPCB_Live/X]Manuka Oval, Canberra [Source: @TheRealPCB_Live/X]

On Saturday, Melbourne Stars will lock horns with Sydney Thunder in the fourteenth group-stage match of the ongoing Big Bash League season. The much-anticipated clash will be played at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. 

Led by Marcus Stoinis, Melbourne Stars have had a horrible BBL 14 campaign, losing their first four matches in the competition. They have been absolutely underwhelming with bat and ball, as their opponents have outclassed the Stars across departments. 

On the other hand, Sydney Thunder have blown hot and cold, claiming the sixth position in the points table with one win in two outings. However, they received a five-wicket drubbing from Sydney Sixers and would like to get back on the winning track in this match. 

As both teams prepare for a cracking contest, let's see how the surface at Manuka Oval in Canberra will behave throughout the match. 

Manuka Oval Canberra Stats And Records In BBL

Criterion
Data
Matches played29
Matches won batting 1st11
Matches won bowling 1st17
Average 1st innings score160.1
Average 2nd innings score137.9


Manuka Oval Canberra Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The surface at Manuka Oval in Canberra generally favours the batters. The fast bowlers might find a hint of movement early on with the new ball, but overall, the conditions will be excellent for batting. The pitch in Canberra offers even pace and bounce, and is expected to aid in stroke play. 

The spin bowlers generally don't play a crucial role at this venue. Meanwhile, hitting the deck and varying the pace might be the way to go for the pace bowlers. Considering the pitch doesn't lose its pace and the chasing sides have won 17 out of 29 BBL matches in Canberra, the toss-winner will likely bowl first. 

Players To Watch Out For At Manuka Oval Canberra

Daniel Sams

  • Sydney Thunder's veteran all-rounder Daniel Sams smashed an unbeaten 18-ball 42* in the last game at this venue. Besides playing breezy cameos down the order, Sams can be effective with his variations in Canberra. Statistically, he is the most successful bowler at this venue, with 22 wickets to his name. 

Glenn Maxwell

  • Australia's experienced cricketer Glenn Maxwell showcased his power-hitting skills in the last game, scoring 32 runs off 17 deliveries. Maxwell will likely enjoy Canberra's flat batting deck and can also be a useful bowling option for the Marcus Stoinis-led team. 

David Warner

  • Legendary opener David Warner hasn't had a great BBL so far, scoring only 24 runs across two outings. However, the swashbuckling southpaw has a definite chance to turn things around in this game, as the Stars don't have a great new-ball bowling attack. If he sees through the first few deliveries, Warner might emerge as a game-changer for his team.