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

All eyes will be on Jason Sangha [Source: Twitter]

While the Australian summer continues to amaze cricket fans with the authenticity of Tests, it ensures adding the T20 flavour to it, as the country's premier global T20 tournament, the Big Bash League, commences on Tuesday, December 13. 

And to the fans' delight, two giant powerhouses, Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder, will set the stage ablaze in the tournament opener at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. 

Despite entering the BBL with a formidable squad on multiple occasions, the Stars are yet to attain glory in the tournament. They have been to the final thrice but somehow faltered to jump the ultimate hurdle. And to their misfortune, this time, they have suffered a massive setback with Glenn Maxwell being ruled out due to a leg injury. So, it will be challenging for skipper Adam Zampa to regroup the team and change their fortunes. 

On the other hand, Sydney Thunder, who lifted the title in 2015-16, have failed to replicate the same level of success ever since. However, they have come up with a formidable squad this time and are expected to end their six-year-long trophy drought. The onus will be on the likes of Alex Hales, Chris Green, and Ben Cutting, who, along with skipper Jason Sangha, will go all out in pursuit of the decorated trophy. 

Match Details

Date and Time: December 13, 1.45 PM IST
Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV

Pitch Report: The average run rate at the venue is 7.87, suggesting the track's conduciveness for both batters and bowlers. The surface will offer slight help to the seamers early on, but will be good to bat on as the game progresses. So, chasing would be the safer call for the toss-winning team. 

Predicted XIs

Sydney Thunder: Alex Hales, Matthew Gilkes (WK), Rilee Rossouw, Jason Sangha, Alex Ross, Ben Cutting, Daniel Sams, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green, Gurinder Sandhu, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Melbourne Stars: Joe Burns, Joe Clarke (WK), Nick Larkin, Marcus Stoinis, Beau Webster, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Zampa, Trent Boult, Brody Couch, Luke Wood

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-keeper: Joe Clarke
Batters: Alex Hales, Rilee Rossouw, Hilton Cartwright, Alex Ross
All-Rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Jason Sangha, Daniel Sams
Bowlers: Trent Boult, Adam Zampa, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Captain: Jason Sangha
Vice Captain: Joe Clarke

Prediction

Although the Stars have a good lineup, they must push themselves to the hilt to get the better of Sydney Thunder in this clash. So, in all likelihood, Sydney Thunder will emerge victorious on the opening day. 

Also Read: BBL 12: Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars, Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips