Big Bash League 2019 Challenger, Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Melbourne Stars will host Sydney Thunder for the Challenger of the 2019-20 BBL, at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The winner will face Sydney Sixers in the final, at Sydney Cricket Ground.

Despite having topped the points table, the Stars were demolished by the Sixers in the Qualifier. Despite having restricted the Stars to 142/7, the Stars were bowled out for a meagre 99 in 18 overs. This was the Stars’ fourth defeat in as many matches, after having won 10 of their first 11 matches.

The Stars will count on Marcus Stoinis (612 runs, strike rate 134) and Glenn Maxwell (389 at 151) for a big score, something they had been consistently putting on the board in the initial stages of the tournament. On the other hand, Haris Rauf, Adam Zampa, and Sandeep Lamichhane have all topped the 15-wicket mark, going for under 7.50 an over.

The Thunder, on the other hand, had finished fifth in the league thanks to a 7-wicket win against Perth Scorchers in their last match. However, they came back strongly after defeating Hobart Hurricanes by 57 runs in the Eliminator and Adelaide Strikers by 8 wickets in the Knockout.

Alex Hales (568 runs at 148) deserves some credit for the Thunder’s late success, while some support has come from Alex Ross, Callum Ferguson, and Usman Khawaja. Jonathan Cook (13 wickets, 7.46 an over), Daniel Sams (30 at 7.65), and Chris Morris (20 at 8.05) have been reasonably consistent throughout the tournament.

This will be a close match. While the momentum lies with the Thunder, the Stars hold home advantage.

Head to head

The teams are tied 6-6, though the Stars have won both matches between the sides this season.

Key players

Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars): Stoinis 612 runs this season is only 25 runs behind the all-time BBL record for a single edition. His 147 not out against the Sixers is the highest score in the history of the tournament; the Stars will definitely seek an encore.

Daniel Sams (Sydney Thunder): Not only is Sams’ tally of 30 wickets the highest, it is also the BBL record for a single season – that too by a 6-wicket margin. With 9 wickets in his last 4 matches, he will be raring to have a go at the Stars.

Likely XIs

Melbourne Stars: Nic Maddinson, Marcus Stoinis, Nick Larkin, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell (c), Seb Gotch (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Clint Hinchliffe, Adam Zampa, Daniel Worrall, Haris Rauf.

Sydney Thunder: Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (c), Alex Ross, Arjun Nair, Chris Morris, Daniel Sams, Jay Lenton (wk), Chris Tremain, Jonathan Cook, Brendan Doggett.

Prediction

Melbourne Stars to win and proceed to the final.