Big Bash League 2019 Match 51, Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Sydney Sixers will host Melbourne Renegades for Match 51 of the 2019-20 BBL, at Sydney Cricket Ground. Despite being the defending champions, the Renegades are out of the race for the Playoffs; in fact, they are set to finish last.

The Sixers, on the other hand, are guaranteed to finish in the top three (but not at top spot, a spot Melbourne Stars have already secured). Even a win here (their last match) will assure not them a place in the Qualifier; Adelaide Strikers, 2 points behind them, have a match in hand.

Can the Renegades pull off a couple of consolation wins? The challenge is uphill for several reasons. Steven Smith is back for the Sixers; Nathan Lyon and Steve O’Keefe can be more than a handful on the dry SCG pitch; and both Tom Curran and Ben Dwarshuis have been among wickets.

The teams have met in this tournament before, at the Docklands in Melbourne. Sam Harper (45 in 24 balls) and Dan Christian (32* in 17) had taken the Renegades to 153/6 day as Lloyd Pope returned 4-0-22-2 and Jackson Bird 4-0-24-2.

The Sixers then romped to a 6-wicket with a ball to spare thanks to Daniel Hughes (40 in 31), James Vince (41 in 26), and Jordan Silk (36 in 26), even as Tom Andrews had 3-0-22-2 and Cameron Boyce 4-0-31-2.

An encore is expected this time as well: the Sixers have been far better this time.

Head to head

The Sixers have an advantage here, but only just: they lead 6 matches to 5.

Key players

Steven Smith (Sydney Sixers): There was little Smith needed to do on his maiden appearance in this edition. However, things may get uphill from here – and who better to handle pressure than him?

Mohammad Nabi (Melbourne Renegades): Nabi’s arrival in the tournament happened too late for the Renegades, but his numbers – strike rate 173, 3 wickets – have come as a boost. He will want to sign out on a high.

Likely XIs

Sydney Sixers: Josh Philippe (wk), James Vince, Steven Smith, Moises Henriques (c), Daniel Hughes, Jordan Silk, Tom Curran, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird, Steve O’Keefe.

Melbourne Renegades: Marcus Harris, Shaun Marsh, Sam Harper (wk), Beau Webster, Mohammad Nabi, Dan Christian (c), Samit Patel, Will Sutherland, Jack Wildermuth, Cameron Boyce, Andrew Fekete.

Prediction

Sixers to win and advance towards the Qualifier.