Big Bash League 2019 Match 31, Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Two teams desperate to set their campaigns right will clash at the capital on Saturday, 11 January when Sydney Thunder host Hobart Hurricanes.

Just earlier in the week, Sydney had a chance to get back amongst the top of the table when they clashed with No.1-placed Melbourne Stars. However, their batsmen floundered, and the Stars had an all too comfortable six-wicket win.

The situation is similar with Hobart. Against Brisbane Heat earlier in the week, they had a chance to get themselves within the top half of the table – however, they couldn’t turn their campaign around, their batsmen floundering as well, and Brisbane’s easy five-wicket win meant they continued sitting at No.3.

However, both Thunder and the Hurricanes know their campaigns can still be salvaged. Thunder have six games left, Hobart have seven. If they can put together a run of performances here on, there’s nothing to suggest they won’t make it to the knockouts, especially with the BBL’s format allowing for the No.5 side to contest in it as well.

Time is running out though. Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers already have a march on the rest of the table, with 12 points each. Any more slip-ups, and it will become increasingly difficult to catch them.

Head to head

It’s a rivalry heavily sided the way of the Hurricanes. In 10 matches, they have won seven matches to Thunder’s three. It’s the first time they’ll clash this season though.

Key players

Daniel Sams (Sydney Thunder): Sams has ensured Thunder’s blip with the bat does not make them any less competitive – he is the top wicket-taker in the league, with 15 wickets in eight matches. The Hurricanes batsmen will have their work cut out against him.

Riley Meredith (Hobart Hurricanes): In a team whose batsmen are struggling, Meredith’s wickets have been crucial. He has 10 so far, and against Thunder, whose batsmen are struggling as well, he’ll be the key in dismantling them.

Likely XIs

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

Hobart Hurricanes: D’Arcy Short, Caleb Jewell, David Miller, Ben McDermott (c/wk), Simon Milenko, George Bailey, Thomas Rogers, Nathan Ellis, Scott Boland, Qais Ahmed, Riley Meredith

Prediction

Sams to power Thunder to victory.