Sixers looking to retain top spot against deflated Renegades

Akshay Saraswat


Melbourne Renegades had a forgettable last match where they got bowled out for a paltry 80. Their opponents in the next game, to be played on Tuesday, Sydney Sixers, had an equally memorable match in their last outing. As a result of their heart-stopping, final over win against Melbourne Stars, Sixers are at the top of the table. Renegades, on the other hand, are second from the bottom. 

With contrasting forms in this season so far, the two teams will face off in Carrara. While Sixers are unlikely to change anything as far as their team composition is concerned, Renegades might have to look at a few things. 

Renegades Look to Regain Form

Despite being at the seventh position in the points table, Renegades are not looking completely out of sorts. Their batting line-up looks relatively good despite the collapse in the last match. 

Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh are the best opening pair in the league - at least on paper. Even the no. 3 and 4 in the batting order - Sam Harper and Rilee Rossouw got a fifty each in the second game. So, no great concerns there. The presence of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nabi adds depth to their batting. 

The bowling department is also likely to remain relatively unaltered. Kane Richardson would remain the lead bowler but whether Josh Lalor plays or Will Sutherland, or both, remains to be seen. The spin department looks very solid with the 15-year old Noor Ahmed showing some talent. 

However, it would be the more experienced Mohammad Nabi whom the team would be relying on more. Peter Hatzoglou is an interesting option but he, like most leg-spinners, can go the distance as well. Overall, the bowling attack has potential but is yet to fully find its form. They haven't followed up their good performance in the first match with good results in the next two. 

Sixers Soaring High

For Sixers, it will be a case of hoping for more of the same. Their batting line-up is performing well with the captain Daniel Hughes playing a majestic innings in the last match. With Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite batting at no. 7 and 8, there is a lot of depth and firepower that this team has. 

Players like Jordan Silk and James Vince are very dangerous, as it Daniel Christian. The only problem is the lack of runs from the openers as a pair. While both Josh Phillipe and Jack Edwards have looked good at times, they haven't given their middle order the solid platform to build on. This could become a headache if they fail again tomorrow. 

Edwards, especially, has failed in his three last innings. This may tempt the team management to shift Hughes to the opening slot. 

Among the bowlers, Carlos Braithwaite has shown good control while his West Indian teamamte Jason Holder is getting into his groove. However, the real power lies in the spin bowling department with Steve O'Keefe proving to be very effective, both as a wicket-taker and run-stopper. 

Benjamin Manenti has been complementing him brilliantly. The off spinner and left arm spinner have formed a formidable duo. There is a problem with Gurinder Sandhu. His place in the team may be in danger. 

Renegades vs Sixers: Match Details

Venue: Carrara Oval, Carrara

Date and Time: December 29, 12:50 PM IST, 5:20 PM Local, 7:20 AM GMT

Broadcaster: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV

Pitch Report

The Carrara Oval hasn't been used for cricket in a very long time. As a result, there is complete suspense as to what the pitch would be like. Most probably, it would be a flat track, the default option for pitches these days. But, who knows? There might a surprise or two for the players. 

Weather and Toss

There is a danger of rain on the day of the match. This, coupled with the fact that the ocean isn't very far, could provide seamers some help. If the rain comes before the match, the captain who wins the toss may decide to bowl first. 

Probable XIs

Sixers: Josh Phillipe (Wk), Daniel Hughes (C), James Vince, Jack Edwards, Jordan Silk, Daniel Christian, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Ben Manenti, Steve O'Keefe, Ben Dwarshuis

Renegades: Shaun Marsh, Aaron Finch (C), Sam Harper (Wk), Rilee Rossouw, Jason Fraser-McGurk, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nabi, Kane Richardson, Will Sutherland, Zak Evans, Peter Hatzoglou 

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