Marcus Stoinis (Source: Twitter)
Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder lock horns in the final league match of the ongoing twelfth edition of Big Bash League (BPL) on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. Match no.56 is scheduled to begin at 1.45 PM (IST) and 7.15 PM (local time). The Stars are already eliminated from the Playoff spots while the Thunder can still make it.
Speaking about the form, Melbourne, who have never lifted the coveted trophy yet, suffered a disastrous campaign as they have won just three and lost 10 out of the 13 matches played in BBL 12. Their only victories came against Hobart Hurricanes and against Adelaide Strikers (twice). With just 6 points and a net run rate of -0.270, it's another wooden spoon for them as they are languishing at the eighth position in the table.
Meanwhile, the 2015/16 winners Sydney, who registered two lowest totals of 15 and 62 in this edition, has played 13 matches and won 6 and lost 7. With 12 points and an NRR of -0.841, they are placed in the fifth position in the table. They would be left to sweat on NRR to deicde their fate in the fival five if they face a defeat at the hands of the Stars.
Before the final league match gets underway, let us look at some of the important stats, best player picks and the best predicted teams for the fantasy contests of the match
Ground Stats: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
The 22-yards at the MCG is expected to offer some bounce and movement early on while fast bowlers have got quite a bit of help on this surface.
Numbers at the ground (This Tournament)
Total Matches: 5
Matches won batting first: 2
Matches won batting second: 3
Average score batting first: 159
Average score batting second: 140
Average runs per over: 7.58
Average runs per wicket: 22.85
STA vs THU, Match 56: Probable Final XIs
Melbourne Stars Team News
No major updates
Melbourne Stars Probable Playing XI
Joe Clarke (wk), Thomas Rogers, Campbell Kellaway, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, Nick Larkin, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Luke Wood, Liam Hatcher, Adam Zampa (c), James Seymour, Clint Hinchliffe
Sydney Thunder Team News
No major updates
Sydney Thunder Probable Playing XI
Matthew Gilkes (wk), David Warner, Blake Nikitaras, Oliver Davies, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Ben Cutting, Joel Davies, Chris Green (c), Gurinder Sandhu, Usman Qadir, Brendan Doggett, Nathan McAndrew
STA vs THU, Match 56: Top Five Picks
- Joe Clarke (STA): In a disappointment campaign for the Stars, wicketkeeper and opener Joe Clarke has scored the most runs for his side. He has struck one century and one-half century with an average of 31.41.
- Marcus Stoinis (STA): All-rounder Marcus Stoinis has played only 8 games for the Stars this season and scored 2 half-centuries. He smashed 36* off 23 with 3 sixes in the last game and picking up for this contest should be a safer option.
- Luke Wood (STA): Left arm fast medium bowler Luke Wood is the leading wicket-taker for Melbourne in this tournament. He has been one of the brighest sparks in a rather doom and gloom season for Melbourne.
- Oliver Davies (THU): Youngster Oliver Davies is the highest run-getter for Sydney Thunder in BBL 2012. The right-handed batter has three half-centuries to his name in 12 innings.
- David Warner (THU): Veteran Australian David Warner is yet to fire for the Thunder in this campaign. He has managed to score only 61 runs in 4 innings with the highest score of just 26. A big knock is due for the swashbuckling Thunder batter.
STA vs THU, Match 56: Must picks for the match
Melbourne Stars
- Joe Clarke
- Marcus Stoinis
- Luke Wood
Sydney Thunder
- Oliver Davies
- David Warner
- Daniel Sams
STA vs THU, Match 56: Risky Picks
Melbourne Stars: Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin
Sydney Thunder: Alex Ross, Ben Cutting
STA vs THU, Match 56: Best Captain and Vice-captain choices
- Joe Clarke (STA)
- Marcus Stoinis (STA)
- David Warner (THU)
STA vs THU, Match 56: Team for Head-to-Head Contests
Wicketkeepers: Joe Clarke, Matthew Gilkes
Batters: Thomas Rogers, David Warner, Oliver Davies
All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Beau Webster, Daniel Sams
Bowlers: Adam Zampa, Luke Wood, Chris Green
Captain: David Warner
Vice-Captain: Joe Clarke
STA: 6 Players; THU: 5 Players
MELS vs SYDT, Match 56: Team for Winner takes all Contests
Wicketkeepers: Joe Clarke, Matthew Gilkes
Batters: Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin, Alex Ross
All-rounders: Beau Webster, Ben Cutting
Bowlers: Nathan Coulter-Nile, Gurinder Sandhu, Usman Qadir
Captain: Joe Clarke
Vice-captain: Matthew Gilkes
STA: 5 Players; THU: 6 Players
Also Read: BBL 12, Stars vs Thunder: Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips
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