Big Bash League 2019 Match 15, Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Melbourne Renegades will host Adelaide Strikers for Match 15 of the Big Bash League 2019-20.

Adelaide Strikers started their campaign much late but quickly moved up to the second position on the points table. They have not lost any match yet and are enjoying same points as the table topper Sydney Thunder. On the other hand, Melbourne Renegades have lost all three matches and in all likelihood, this is going to be a one side encounter.

Melbourne Renegades have had a disappointing tournament so far. They batted first, the lost. They tried to chase down with no success. They are currently at the bottom of the table and will be facing a tough contender. The Renegades batsmen were impressive whereas the bowling could not fulfill the expectation. In the first fixture against Sydney Thunder, the Renegades set a target of 170 runs which was completed by the Thunder with six wickets in hand. In the next one, Perth Scorchers scored 196/7 and the Renegades batsmen almost chased it down. The third one saw the Renegades batsmen having a bat day and the bowlers failed to defend 148 runs.

Adelaide Strikers’ first match with Sydney Thunder was abandoned and then they won two back to back games against Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Renegades. Both fixtures saw the Strikers batsmen setting a huge target first and then their bowlers defending the scores. The bowlers were a bit expensive on both occasions; thankfully they had enough runs on board. They went on to win against the Scorchers by 15 runs (D/L method) and against the Renegades by just five runs. Clearly, the bowlers need to gear up and this match can be a great opportunity for a strong comeback.

Key players

Shaun Marsh ( Melbourne Renegades)– Shaun Marsh has been one of the consistent batsmen for the Renegades so far. His scores in the last three matches – 55, 42, and 37 make him the four highest run-getter of the league currently. Since the Renegades depend a lot on the batting unit, Marsh will be a key player for this important fixture.

Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers)– While Jake Weatherald takes care of the top order for the Strikers, Alex Carey is responsible for the middle order. He has the ability is to stabilize the innings and guide the lower order whenever required. He proved it against Perth Scorchers when Weatherald was dismissed in the 2^nd over, Carey came to rescue.

Likely XIs

Melbourne Renegades: Sam Harper (wk), Aaron Finch (c), Shaun Marsh, Tom Cooper, Dan Christian, Beau Webster, Marcus Harris, Cameron Boyce, Kane Richardson, Richard Gleeson, Harry Gurney.

Adelaide Strikers: Jake Weatherald, Phil Salt, Matthew Short, Alex Carey (c & wk), Jonathan Wells, Cameron White, Cameron Valente, Rashid Khan, Wes Agar, Harry Conway, Billy Stanlake.

Prediction

Adelaide Strikers to win.