Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report For SIX vs THU BBL 2024-25 Match 37

Rajgeeta Yadav

Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is set to host the 37th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 on January 17, featuring Sydney Sixers taking on Sydney Thunder. Both teams have already secured playoff spots, adding an extra edge to this highly anticipated clash.

The Sydney Sixers are at the top of the table with 13 points from 9 games. Steve Smith has been in phenomenal form, smashing an unbeaten 121 and a quick half-century. However, this will be his last game before leaving for international duty, putting the spotlight on Josh Philippe and Moises Henriques to continue the momentum.

Sydney Thunder, led by David Warner, have also been impressive. Warner’s leadership and consistent batting, paired with Sam Billings’ aggressive middle-order contributions, have been key. Their bowling unit, featuring Chris Green and Tanveer Sangha, adds variety, while Wes Agar and Nathan McAndrew offer reliable wicket-taking options.

Ahead of the thrilling clash, let's take a closer look at the SCG pitch.

Sydney Cricket Ground Stats And Records In BBL

Criterion
Data
Matches played 78
Matches won batting 1st 37
Matches won batting 2nd 39
Average 1st innings score 151.25
Average 2nd innings score 151.25


Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The SCG pitch is generally known to favour batters, with the average run rate this BBL season at 9.93, making it a paradise for big scores. However, as the season progresses into late summer, the pitch has become worn out and could offer some assistance to spinners, especially in the second half of the game.

While pacers usually dominate here, the dryness of the surface may reduce their effectiveness. The last three matches at this venue have produced many high-scoring thrillers, with the highest total reaching around 220.

Teams winning the toss might prefer to bat first, since spinners could play a crucial role in the second innings. Despite this, chasing teams have often had an advantage at this ground.

Players To Watch Out For At Sydney Cricket Ground

1. Steven Smith

  • The Australian superstar has been in red-hot form. Returning from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he scored two centuries in Tests and followed it up in the BBL with unbeaten knocks of 121 and 52. This match will be his last of the season, and he’s expected to leave a lasting impact.

2. Sam Konstas

  • A rising star for the Thunder, Sam Konstas has scored 113 runs in 4 innings. He shone in the last match against the Perth Scorchers, scoring 53 off 42 balls. He’s a dependable opening batter to watch out for.

3. Sean Abbott

  • The all-rounder is the highest wicket-taker at the SCG and has also scalped 87 wickets in 49 innings during his BBL career. This season, he has already picked up 10 wickets in 5 matches, making him a key player in the Sixers’ bowling attack.