Big Bash League, Thunder vs Strikers: Preview, Prediction, Fantasy Tips

The Strikers dismantled the Thunder on Friday [Source: Twitter]

The ninth match of the ongoing Big Bash League will see the clash between Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers at the iconic Adelaide Oval. This is a must-win encounter for the Thunder, as a loss will further dent their confidence. 

Team Preview: Sydney Thunder

The season has been a forgettable one for Sydney Thunder. After somehow managing a one-wicket win over the Stars in the tournament opener, they were humiliated by the Strikers at home in their second game. 

Their batting, which underperformed in the first two matches, finally clicked in the third fixture. Led by Rilee Rossouw, their middle order executed a commendable rescue act, powering them to a respectable total of 172 runs. 

However, they have suffered a massive blow, with skipper Jason Sangha unavailable for this clash due to injury. More importantly, it will be a monumental task for them to overcome the mental challenge of facing the Strikers, who bundled out them for a paltry 15 three days ago. 

Team Preview: Adelaide Strikers

On the other hand, the Strikers have been phenomenal in the showpiece event. After hammering the Sixers by 51 runs in their first game, they recorded a victory for the ages against the Thunder, dismissing them for the lowest-ever team total in Men's T20s. 

They have been superb on both the batting and bowling fronts. While Matthew Short and Chris Lynn have provided them with brisk starts, the likes of Adam Hose and Colin de Grandhomme have ensured fitting finish to their innings. Their bowling unit has been equally good, with Henry Thornton and Wes Agar not allowing the opponent batters to settle in the middle. 

So, the Strikers would like to continue their dream run and go all out to accomplish their second victory at home this season. 

Match Details

Venue: Adelaide Oval
Date and Time: December 20, 01.45 PM IST
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV App

Pitch Report: The surface at the Adelaide Oval will behave like a batters' paradise. The track generally remains flat throughout, with little help for the spinners and variational bowlers. The square boundaries are short, which is why it will be a daunting task, especially for the seamers, to control the flow of runs. 

Predicted XIs

The Strikers will likely continue with the same team, while the Thunder might replace Jason Sangha and Matthew Gilkes with Ben Cutting and Baxter Holt or Sam Whiteman (, respectively. 

Adelaide Strikers: Matthew Short, Jake Weatherald, Chris Lynn, Adam Hose, Colin de Grandhomme, Thomas Kelly, Harry Nielsen (WK), Rashid Khan, Wes Agar, Henry Thornton, Peter Siddle

Sydney Thunder: Alex Hales, Baxter Holt/Sam Whiteman (WK), Rilee Rossouw, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Ben Cutting, Oliver Davies, Chris Green, Gurinder Sandhu, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Brendan Doggett

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-Keeper: Harry Nielsen (Replace with Baxter Holt or Sam Whiteman if one of them plays)
Batters: Rilee Rossouw, Chris Lynn, Alex Ross, Adam Hose
All-Rounders: Daniel Sams, Matthew Short
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Henry Thornton, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gurinder Sandhu

Captain: Matthew Short
Vice Captain: Daniel Sams

Prediction

Considering the current form of both teams, we expect Adelaide Strikers to emerge victorious in this match. 

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