Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report For SIX vs THU BBL 2024-25 Challenger
Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report [Source: @beastieboy07/x.com]
It’s derby day, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as Sydney Sixers face off against Sydney Thunder in the Challenger of the Big Bash League 2024-25 on Friday, January 24. The Sydney Cricket Ground is ready to host what promises to be a thrilling encounter as a spot in the final is on the line, and neither team can afford to put a foot wrong.
Sydney Sixers
Sydney Sixers had the perfect chance to book a direct ticket to the final in the Qualifier, but they fell short against Hobart Hurricanes, losing by 12 runs. Opting to bowl first, the Sixers had a decent outing with the ball. Ben Dwarshuis led the charge, taking 2/34, while Jafer Chohan also grabbed two scalps. Jack Edwards and Mitchell Perry chipped in with one wicket each as the Hurricanes posted a competitive 173/7.
The chase was where things went downhill for the Sixers. Their top order crumbled, with Josh Philippe and Jack Edwards both dismissed for ducks. Skipper Moises Henriques added to the misery, falling for just 1. Despite Kurtis Patterson scoring a solid 48, and Jordan Silk smashing a gutsy 57, the Sixers fell short. Lachlan Shaw’s unbeaten 33 wasn’t enough to get them over the line.
The Sixers will need to regroup quickly. They’ve got the firepower, but they’ll need their batters to step up, especially against a pumped-up Thunder side.
Sydney Thunder
The Thunder are coming into this game on the back of a fantastic performance in the Knockout. They beat Melbourne Stars by 21 runs in a low-scoring thriller, thanks to their bowlers. Batting first, Thunder struggled to get going and posted a modest 135/7. Matthew Gilkes chipped in with a handy 28, Sam Billings added 24, and Oliver Davies top-scored with 36. But the likes of David Warner and Hugh Weibgen failed, with scores of 0 and 11, respectively.
It was the bowling that stole the show. Nathan McAndrew was on fire, producing one of the best spells of the season. He finished with unbelievable figures of 5/16 in his four overs, completely dismantling the Stars’ batting lineup. Tom Andrews and Tanveer Sangha played the perfect supporting roles, picking up two wickets each as the Stars were bowled out for just 114.
Thunder will be buzzing after that win, but they’ll know they need more runs on the board to trouble the Sixers.
Ahead of the exciting clash, here's a detailed look at the SCG pitch report.
Sydney Cricket Ground Stats And Records In BBL
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Matches Played | 79 |
Matches Won Batting 1st | 37 |
Matches Won Bowling 1st | 39 |
Average 1st Innings Score | 149.8 |
Average 2nd innings Score | 131.7 |
Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report: Is It Batting or Bowling Friendly?
The SCG has been a track for batters this season, with teams regularly breaching the 190-run mark. The surface offers true bounce and pace, making stroke play a joy for batters. Pacers might get some movement early on, but once the ball loses its shine, it’s the batters who will dominate.
Spinners could come into play in the latter stages of the innings, but only if they hit the right lengths. Overall, it’s a surface that has heavily favoured batters this season. With dew likely to be a factor, captain winning the toss is expected to bowl first and take advantage of the chasing trend.
Players To Watch Out For At Sydney Cricket Ground
David Warner
- David Warner might’ve had a rough outing in the Knockout, getting dismissed for a duck, but the Aussie veteran is a big-match player. Warner has been one of Thunder’s best performers this season, scoring 346 runs in 10 matches at an impressive average of 49.43.
- His strike rate of 141.22 shows his ability to take the game away from the opposition in no time. If Warner gets going, the Sixers will have a tough time containing him.
James Vince
- James Vince is the backbone of the Sixers’ batting lineup. The Englishman has been in fine form, scoring 228 runs in just six matches at an average of 45.6.
- With a strike rate of 139.02, Vince knows how to balance stability and aggression. His ability to anchor an innings and shift gears when needed makes him a key player for the Sixers.
Ben Dwarshuis
- Ben Dwarshuis has been the standout bowler for the Sixers this season. With 14 wickets in 10 matches at a strike rate of 15.5, he’s been the go-to bowler in crucial moments.
- His knack for breaking partnerships and keeping things tight makes him a nightmare for batters. If the SCG pitch offers any assistance to bowlers, expect Dwarshuis to make the most of it.