In the 48th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2020-21, the table-toppers Sydney Sixers will face off their arch-rival Sydney Thunder at the Adelaide Oval.
Sydney Sixers won the match against Sydney Thunder in the first meeting. They are also eight points ahead of the Thunder in the points table and are standing at top of the points table. The match between the two Sydney teams is likely to be competitive.
Here, let’s take a look at Sydney Sixers Predicted XI:
Josh Philippe:
In the last rain-curtailed match against Sydney Thunder, the wicketkeeper-batsman showered boundaries and sixes from his bat. While chasing a revised target of 129 runs, he struck 64 runs off 36 balls which included seven boundaries and two sixes. Sydney Sixers will hope that he churns out a similar knock against their arch-rival.
Jack Edwards:
When Perth Scorchers thrashed the Sixers by 86 runs at Perth Stadium, Edwards shone in neat innings of 44 runs from 38 balls. The 20-year-old had also earned the praise from Adam Gilchrist for the gritty knock. Although he has not been successful in the past matches, his mature knock has proved his case.
James Vince:
James Vince has not been consistent this season. In the last match against Perth Scorchers, he scored a fifty to guide his side to victory while chasing 164 runs. But before this knock, he was out before even touching 20 runs mark in the last three matches.
Daniel Hughes (c):
Sydney Sixers’ captain Daniel Hughes is the second-highest scorer for his side. In 11 matches, he has amassed 282 runs, which also includes two half-centuries, at the strike rate of 135.57. In the last match, he didn’t get much opportunity to bat as the top-order had done the job.
Jordan Silk:
The fourth-highest scorer for the side, Jordan Silk has charged up the innings for Sydney Sixers. In the last match, he didn’t get the opportunity to bat but he will look to produce a fiery knock against Sydney Thunder in Adelaide.
Daniel Christain:
Daniel Christain has played many match-winning knocks. He struck two sixes in five balls to score unbeaten 15 runs to chase down 129 runs target against Sydney Thunder. Against Brisbane Heat as well, he played a match-winning knock when the other end was losing wickets. He scored unbeaten 61 runs to chase down 149 runs.
Carlos Brathwaite:
Carlos Brathwaite went expensive in the last match against Sydney Thunder, giving away 30 runs in his three overs while went wicketless. Overall, he has picked up 13 wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate of 7.53. His best has come against Brisbane Heat when he picked four wickets to halt them for a below-par total of 148 runs. Apart from bowling, his power-hitting is also a big asset for Sydney Sixers.
Steve O’Keefe:
The 36-year-old Steve O’Keefe has denied all the age restrictions to play this game. His experience has helped Sydney Sixers to have a strong bowling attack. Against Sydney Thunder, he picked up three wickets while conceded only 15 runs in his four overs. Currently, he is the highest wicket-taker of the side, notching 14 wickets in ten matches at the staggering economy rate of 6.79.
Jackson Bird:
In his five matches played for Sydney Sixers, Jackson Bird has been economical while has given crucial breakthroughs. But in the last match played against Perth Scorchers, Bird went wicketless while also too expensive. The pacer will look to redeem in Adelaide against Sydney Thunder.
Jake Ball:
Jake Ball was badly beaten by Sydney Thunder. He gave away 42 runs in his three overs and registered the poor economy rate of 14.00. The pacer picked the only wicket of Ben Cutting to cut short any further damage. However, it was his worst figure so far in the ongoing tournament. Now, in the second meeting, Sydney Sixers will hope that he gives Thunder back with his bowling.
Llyod Pope:
Llyod Pope notched the all-important wicket of Sydney Thunder’s captain Callum Ferguson. But he could not control the run flow as he leaked 31 runs in his four overs.
The leg-spinner will be playing only the sixth match of the season against Thunder in Adelaide.
