Last Updated on 11 months ago by Charbel Coorey

BBL 10 Match 19: THU vs STA Preview Dream11 Possible 11 Pitch Report | ST vs MS Dream11 Prediction Today | Thunder vs Stars Key Players | Manuka Oval Pitch Report

Is this the year of the Sydney Thunder? The men in light-green, despite winning the tournament in BBL 05, have largely underachieved in BBL cricket since its inception in 2011.

This time, however, the Thunder arguably field their most balanced side to date. Their reliance on the top order is nowhere near as prominent as it has been over the years, with hitting ability right down the order. The addition of Oliver Davies has done wonders, and now they welcome Sam Billings to the squad, which adds oomph to a side that includes the experienced Ben Cutting and fast-improving Daniel Sams.

Today will be a great test of where they are at. They come up against Melbourne Stars, one of the favourites for the BBL 10 Title. A few nights after heartbreak vs the Sixers, it will be interesting to see how the Stars bounce back against a side whom they have a good record against. In fact, they beat the Thunder earlier this season, and will be looking to do the same once again.

In a game between two superb teams on paper, this shapes up to be a cracking contest.

Also read: Twitter reactions to howler in BBL

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sydney Thunder

• Callum Ferguson is currently the Thunder’s highest run-scorer in BBL 10 (146 runs, avg. 48.66). This includes two half-centuries in four games, with one coming against the Stars earlier this season (54 off 35 balls).
• Usman Khawaja copped a poor decision against Stars earlier this season. His overall record vs this opposition is good, with 313 runs at an average of 39.13 and strike rate 147.64.
• How good has Oliver Davies looked in his first two BBL games? The 20-year old stroke-maker has struck 36 (22) and 48 (23) so far. In fact, he was player of the match against the Renegades.
• Daniel Sams, who took 30 wickets in BBL 09, currently has six wickets in four games in BBL 10. He enjoys playing the Stars, with 10 wickets in six games against them.
• The young Tanveer Sangha continues to impress with his leg-spin. He is coming off 4/14 against the Renegades. He has taken seven wickets in four games this season, all on this ground. He took 2/26 against the Stars earlier this season.

Melbourne Stars

• The Stars are set to welcome back Marcus Stoinis. The opener has the most runs in Stars-Thunder matches, with 332 at an average of 41.50. He scored 61 (37) against the Thunder earlier this season.
• Should the Stars stick with the out-of-form Nick Larkin? Larkin loves playing against the Thunder, with 238 runs against them at an average of 79.33.
• What an introduction to BBL cricket it was by Nicholas Pooran. The left-hander smashed an extraordinary 65 off 26 balls in his last game vs Sixers. Can he make another huge impact today?
• Glenn Maxwell is currently the third-highest run-scorer in BBL 10 (3 innings, 156 runs, avg. 78, SR 152.94). He is coming off a superb 71* off 47 balls against the Sixers. Against the Thunder, though, Maxwell doesn’t have the best of records: 10 inns, 198 runs, avg. 28.29, SR 128.57.
• Liam Hatcher has been superb this season. The right-arm fast bowler has taken eight wickets in three matches, including 3/28 vs Thunder earlier this season.
• Adam Zampa took 2/10 vs Thunder earlier in BBL 10, part of 13 wickets in nine games that he has for the Stars against Thunder.

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head: Thunder 6, Stars 8.
• Stars have won their past five games against the Thunder.
• Both sides have won a game each against each other at Manuka Oval.

Possible Playing 11

Sam Billings is in the Thunder squad, and will likely take the gloves in place of Baxter Holt. The Thunder side is looking fantastic on paper.

Sydney Thunder: 1. Alex Hales, 2. Usman Khawaja, 3. Callum Ferguson (c), 4. Oliver Davies, 5. Sam Billings (wk), 6. Ben Cutting, 7. Daniel Sams, 8. Nathan McAndrew, 9. Chris Green, 10. Adam Milne, 11. Tanveer Sangha

Melbourne Stars also look good, and will be hoping to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss to the Sixers. Stoinis is set to return, but Coulter-Nile is expected to be out for 2-3 weeks with a calf injury.

Melbourne Stars: 1. Marcus Stoinis, 2. Andre Fletcher, 3. Hilton Cartwright, 4. Glenn Maxwell (c), 5. Nicholas Pooran (wk), 6. Nic Maddinson/Nick Larkin, 7. Clint Hinchliffe/Lance Morris, 8. Adam Zampa, 9. Liam Hatcher, 10. Billy Stanlake, 11. Zahir Khan

Manuka Oval Pitch and Weather Report

The Manuka Oval track was a beauty for batting on Boxing Day, with the Thunder smashing 209 against the Renegades. It has been a pretty good track to date this season, and expect more of the same today with two powerful line. The team batting second has won three of the five games so far on this ground in BBL 10.

There is a very small chance of showers in the afternoon, but that should clear in time for the game.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

What a match this promises to be between two BBL 10 Title contenders. It is a tough one to predict, but the loss of Nathan Coulter-Nile could prove crucial for the Stars. Thunder to win, even though they have a poor recent record vs Stars.

Thanks for reading!