Big Bash League 2019 Match 6, Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

After winning their first two matches, against Brisbane Heat and defending champions Melbourne Renegades, Sydney Thunder will now “host” Adelaide Strikers at Manuka Oval, Canberra, one of their adopted home grounds.

The Strikers are yet to play a match, but they do boast of an excellent line-up. Their bowling attack – Rashid Khan, Michael Neser, Billy Stanlake – is one of the most potent in the tournament, not to speak of Wes Agar, the new tearaway bowler. Additionally, in Cameron White, Phil Salt, Alex Carey, and Travis Head they have an explosive set of batsmen.

The Thunder had started their tournament with a comfortable 29-run win against the Heat, that too in Brisbane. Callum Ferguson (73* in 44 balls) first took them to 172/6 before Chris Green (4-0-19-2) and Arjun Nair (4-0-22-2) shot out the Heat for 143.

The Renegades did better, posting 169/5 (Daniel Sams 3-0-26-2), but Alex Hales (68 in 38) and Usman Khawaja (66 in 46) added 99 in 71 balls to make small task of the target at Geelong.

They do have enough momentum to see them through.

Head to head

The Strikers have a 6-4 lead here (one match was abandoned).

Key players

Chris Green (Sydney Thunder): Two matches, 7-0-38-2, 25 off 17 balls. A much-travelled cricketer in T20 circuits, Green has played as much T20 cricket as almost any of his teammates. Much will be expected of him.

Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers): Wrist spinners thrive in Australia, but with 37 wickets at 16.02 (economy 5.93), Rashid stands out even among them. His role as the leader of the Adelaide attack will be crucial.

Likely XIs

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

Adelaide Strikers: Phil Salt, Jake Weatherald, Jon Wells, Travis Head, Matt Short, Alex Carey (c & wk), Michael Neser, Rashid Khan, Peter Siddle, Wes Agar, Billy Stanlake.

Prediction

Sydney to make it three in three.