Big Bash League, Stars vs Scorchers: Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips

The eyes will be on Scorchers' trump card Jhye Richardson [Source: Twitter]

The 12th match of the ongoing Big Bash League will see Melbourne Stars take on Perth Scorchers at the Junction Oval in Melbourne. 

Both teams have had a similar journey in the tournament, having won one of their two matches. However, the Stars are placed one spot above the Scorchers owing to their superior net run rate. 

The Stars had a painful beginning to their BBL 12 campaign, being handed a narrow one-wicket defeat by Sydney Thunder in the tournament opener. However, they bounced back remarkably, winning their second fixture by a decent 38-run margin against the Hobart Hurricanes. Joe Clarke, who got out cheaply in the first match, made up for it in the second, slamming a breathtaking ton. However, the Men in Green would like better returns from Hilton Cartwright and Marcus Stoinis, who are yet to fire in the tournament. But, on the contrary, their bowlers have been up to the mark. While skipper Adam Zampa has led from the front, Luke Wood, Nathan Coulter-Nile, and Trent Boult have chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. 

On the other hand, the Scorchers began their BBL 12 campaign with a bang, defeating the Sixers by 38 runs in their opening fixture. However, they failed to sustain the momentum and lost their second fixture to the Hurricanes by a narrow eight-run margin. Surprisingly, their middle order, which seemed to be their weakness, saved them in both matches. However, the big names, Adam Lyth and Faf du Plessis must convert their starts into big knocks. Their bowling has been more or less satisfactory, but they should put more effort into controlling the flow of runs in the death overs. 

Match Details

Date and Time: December 23, 10.00 AM IST
Venue: Junction Oval, Melbourne
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV App

Pitch Report: The Junction Oval in Melbourne has traditionally been a low-scoring ground. The pitch is slightly two-paced, and batters will have to toil hard for runs. So, spinners and bowlers with variations can play a crucial role at the venue, with the toss-winner likely to bat first. 

Predicted XIs

Melbourne Stars: Joe Clarke, Thomas Rogers, Beau Webster, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin, Luke Wood, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Trent Boult, Adam Zampa

Perth Scorchers: Adam Lyth, Faf du Plessis, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Ashton Turner, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Hatzoglou/Matthew Kelly

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-Keepers: Joe Clarke, Josh Inglis
Batters: Faf du Plessis, Ashton Turner, Hilton Cartwright
All-Rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie
Bowlers: Adam Zampa, Jhye Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff

Captain: Josh Inglis
Vice Captain: Jhye Richardson

Prediction

It will be a nail-biting encounter, for sure. However, considering the strengths of both teams, we reckon the Scorchers might emerge victorious in this face-off. 

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