Melbourne Stars' must-win game after three consecutive losses
| Date | December 26, 2023 |
| Time | 12:35 PM IST |
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
| Format | T20 |
| Series | Big Bash League 2023-24 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Josh Phillippe has odds of 3.65 to be Sydney Sixers' best batsman.
- Glenn Maxwell has odds of 3.30 to be Melbourne Stars' best batsman
- Ben Dwarshuis has odds of 3.00 to be Sydney Sixers' best bowler
- Haris Rauf has odds of 3.15 to be Melbourne Stars' best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
We are in the 14th match of the Big Bash League 2023-24. The Sydney Sixers have done well with three wins in a row, and the team will look to continue with the same form as they play at their home ground. The odds are high for them as they have defeated the Melbourne Stars in the last nine games, and it will make the side confident. The Melbourne Stars sit at the bottom of the table with three losses and shall look to make a comeback. They are up against a team in great form, and it will be interesting to see if the side can punch above its weight and win.
Sydney Sixers Preview
Moises Henriques' side has won three games in a row, and the side looks in excellent form. They won a thrilling contest against the Adelaide Strikers by 1 run. Henriques would like to continue with the same form. They have a good record against the Melbourne Stars, and the team will look to extend that with a win.
Josh Philippe and James Vince are in good form, and the team will need a positive start from this pair in the game. They have a strong middle order and need partnerships between Daniel Hughes, Henriques, and Jordan Silk. Jackson Bird and Jack Edwards add depth to the batting line-up.
Jackson Bird is in good form and will look to make early inroads with the new ball along with Jack Edwards. Steve O'Keefe and Todd Murphy have done well in the middle overs, and the side would like them to continue with the same form. Ben Dwarshuis and Henriques add depth to the attack.
Expected Starting XI for Sydney Sixers
Moises Henriques (c), Josh Philippe (wk), James Vince, Daniel Hughes, Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jackson Bird, Todd Murphy, Steve O'Keefe
Melbourne Stars Preview
Glenn Maxwell's side needs to get its acts together. They come into this contest with a 5-wicket loss against the Sydney Thunder in their last game. Maxwell will be aware of the importance of this game for the side's fate in the tournament. He will look to lead from the front and win it for the side to improve their position on the points table.
Sam Harper and Thomas Rogers haven't had the best season, and the side and the side expect a good start from the pair. The middle order is formidable, and they would expect a good show from the trio of Beau Webster, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis. The side will expect quick runs from Hilton Cartwright and Jonathan Merlo in the lower middle order.
Most betting sites in India don't see them as favorites to win due to the poor show from their bowlers. The side will need early wickets from Liam Dawson and Mark Steketee. Haris Rauf has bowled well, and the side will need a good show from him and Marcus Stoinis in the middle overs. Usama Mir and Webster must do well in the supporting role for the side to win.
Expected Starting XI for Melbourne Stars
Glenn Maxwell (c), Sam Harper (wk), Thomas Rogers, Beau Webster, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Jonathan Merlo, Liam Dawson, Usama Mir, Mark Steketee, Haris Rauf
TOSS: To Bowl First
The wicket at the Sydney Cricket Ground has been on the slower side in recent matches, and the side winning the toss has opted to bowl first. Setting up scores at this venue isn't easy; hence, we expect the side winning the toss to have no hesitation in bowling first in the game.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
Weatherman doesn't have the best news. Heavy showers are on the cards, and we may see a rain-curtailed game. The wicket has been tough to bat on this season, and batsmen must be watchful. The side that bats first would be happy to score 150-160 runs on this surface.
OUR PREDICTION
The Melbourne Stars have their backs against the wall with three consecutive losses. One more loss will end their hopes of reaching the playoffs. Senior players in the side must fire in this game to win. In contrast, the Sydney Sixers have been clinical. They have their batsmen in form and play at home, making them favorites according to our cricket betting tips.
Our Prediction is for Sydney Sixers to win
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