BBL 13 Match 40, THU VS REN | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

David Warner (X.com)

In the 40th game of the ongoing Big Bash League season, bottom place holder Sydney Thunder are scheduled to square off with Melbourne Renegades on January 17, Wednesday, at Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney, at 1.45 PM IST.

THU VS REN: Team Previews

Sydney Thunder

Sydney Thunder, who have been a constant presence in the playoffs for the past four BBL seasons, have succumbed to pressure this year. The team finds itself at the bottom of the points table with a mere 3 points in nine games. 

A lot of things went wrong for the team. From inconsistencies to a lack of accountability in the finishing area, many factors collectively led to a debacle this year. The injection of David Warner also didn't help much either.

While the Thunder is already out of playoff contention, the final league game against Melbourne Renegades provides an opportunity to secure the pride of the team and sign off on a positive note.

However, to secure a win against Renegades won't be a cakewalk. The Thunder are coming off a brutal loss against Strikers, wherein they suffered a nine-wicket defeat. 

The batting has been a problem this entire league stage, and to secure a win in the final game, that problematic area needs to change.

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Melbourne Renegades

Melbourne Renegades' fate is subtly similar to that of the Sydney Thunder. They, too, are eliminated from the playoff race and will be playing for pride in the final league game. However, the winning momentum is on their side, as the Renegades secured the Melbourne Derby last week. 

Notably, Melbourne will miss the services of Aaron Finch, who played his last BBL game during the derby. Additionally, the team will bid farewell to veteran Shaun Marsh, who announced retirement from all forms of cricket last week. 

Thus, it's a bittersweet moment for the Melbourne Renegades heading into the league finale game. Not only have they failed to qualify for playoffs, but they also lost two of the biggest cricket names in Australian cricket. 

But overall, like the Thunder, Renegades are also striving for a positive finish to his abysmal BBL season.

THU VS REN: Match Details & Live Streaming

THU VS REN: Sydney Showground Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch surface of Sydney Showground Stadium is offers equal assistance to both the batters and bowlers. While pacers could enjoy swing moment early in the game, batter can dominate once averted the initial risk. Across four games held at the venue, three games have been won by the team batting first and the average first innings total is somewhere around 140. Thus, batting first should be the captains ideal choice on this wicket.

THU VS REN: Probable Playing XI

Sydney Thunder: David Warner, Alex Hales, Cameron Bancroft, Oliver Davies, Alex Ross, Matthew Gilkes (wk), Daniel Sams, Chris Green (c), Nathan McAndrew, Liam Hatcher, Tanveer Sangha

Melbourne Renegades:  Nic Maddinson, Shaun Marsh, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Jordan Cox (wk), Jonathan Wells, Will Sutherland (c), Akeal Hosein, Tom Rogers, Fergus O Neill, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa

THU VS REN: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

THU VS REN: Winner Prediction

With the playoff spot off the table, both sides are expected to comes out all guns blazing for the league stage final game. However, Melbourne Renegades will step out with an extra motivation of bidding a fitting farewell to Shaun Marsh and thus they are likely to emerge victorious in the contest.

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