Big Bash League 2019 Match 50, Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Big Bash League 2019 Match 50, Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Hobart Hurricanes Sydney Thunder

Hobart Hurricanes will host Sydney Thunder for Match 50 of the 2019-20 BBL at Bellerive Oval, Hobart. There is a lot at stake for both sides, for neither side has guaranteed a spot in the Playoffs, nor have they been eliminated from the tournament.

While they are still in the hunt, the Hurricanes have to win both their matches and depend on the outcome of other matches to qualify. They are coming off a 4-run win against Melbourne Renegades, a match set up by Matthew Wade (66 in 29 balls), Macalister Wright (70 in 50), Ben McDermott (38* in 19), and Qais Ahmed (4-0-25-1).

The Thunder, while 2 points ahead of the Hurricanes at this stage, are not in it either. They lost their last match, against Perth Scorchers, by 8 wickets despite Alex Hales’ 59-ball 85. One win will push their cause significantly but will not guarantee them a slot; they need to win both matches for that.

The Thunder have beaten the Hurricanes in this tournament, by 4 wickets at Sydney Showground Stadium. George Bailey (43 in 30) had taken the Hurricanes to 162/6 that day against some excellent bowling from Daniel Sams (4-0-29-2) and Chris Morris (4-0-32-2). Usman Khawaja (35 in 29) and Alex Hales (55 in 36) then saw the Thunder home in the last over despite Clive Rose’s 4-0-27-2.

The Thunder hold a 2-point advantage, but the Hurricanes’ home advantage may turn the tide in their favour.

Head to head

Despite their defeat earlier this season, Hobart Hurricanes still hold a 7-4 advantage over Sydney Thunder.

Key players

Matthew Wade (Hobart Hurricanes): The Hurricanes captain is coming off a belligerent 66 against the Renegades, a performance he will want to replicate here.

Daniel Sams (Sydney Thunder): The leading wicket-taker in this edition, not for the first time will Sams be expected to spearhead the Thunder attack to a win.

Likely XIs

Hobart Hurricanes: Matthew Wade (c), Macalister Wright, Jake Doran, David Miller, Ben McDermott (wk), George Bailey, Clive Rose, Thomas Rogers, Nathan Ellis, Qais Ahmed, Scott Boland.

Sydney Thunder: Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (c), Arjun Nair, Alex Ross, Chris Morris, Jay Lenton (wk), Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Brendan Doggett, Liam Bowe.

Prediction

Hobart Hurricanes to win a close match at home.