BBL 2019-20 Match 14, Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder will meet each other for Match 14 of the Big Bash League 2019.

Sydney Sixers started the campaign with a convincing win against Perth Scorchers. But then they lost two back to back games against Hobart Hurricanes and Brisbane Heat. In both fixtures, the Sixers lost while chasing- 130 against the Hurricanes and 210 against the Heat. The bowlers reduced the opponents to a low score but the batsmen failed to chase down against Hobart Hurricanes. Against the Brisbane Heat, the bowlers were not able to perform accordingly and the Heat set a target of 210. Thanks to the bowling department yet again, that Sydney Sixers made a comeback in their last outing when they beat Perth Scorchers for the second time in this BBL.

Sydney Thunder have been enjoying the leading position with five points while Sydney Sixers are at the third place with two wins and two defeats to their name. Sydney Thunder began their journey by defeating Brisbane Heat by 29 runs when the bowlers successfully defended a total of 173. The next one saw the Thunder chasing down 170 runs for the loss of four wickets against Melbourne Renegades. They were expected to beat Adelaide Strikers in their third encounter which ended with no result. The good showing of the batting department has been a key for Sydney Thunder in all their previous matches whereas the bowling needs improvement.

Syndey Thunder are clearly the favorites while Sydney Sixers will be charged up after registering an important win in their last game. For the Sixers, the challenge is also to prove their mettle against other teams as well.

Key players

Sean Abbott (Sydney Sixers)– Sean Abbott has been a constant support for Sydney Sixers with his effective bowling. He was a bit expensive against the Heat but made his presence feel strongly by taking 3/30 against the Scorchers. Abbott is currently leading the bowling chart of the tournament with nine wickets to his name. He will be a key factor if the Sixers want to do well in this game.

Callum Ferguson (Sydney Thunder)– his unbeaten 73 helped Sydney Thunder win their opening game. Callum Ferguson failed in the second match but was looking solid against Adelaide Strikers. His unbeaten 27 off 14 included six boundaries started building pressure on the Strikers when the match was abandoned. Ferguson is expected to deliver in the same manner to record a significant win for the Thunder.

Likely XIs

Sydney Sixers: Josh Phillippe (wk), Daniel Hughes, James Vince, Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Hayden Kerr, Tom Curran, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Benjamin Manenti, Lloyd Pope.

Sydney Thunder: Alex Hales, Usman Khawaja, Callum Ferguson (c), Matthew Gilkes, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Arjun Nair, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Tremain, Jonathan Cook.

Prediction

Sydney Thunder to win.