Last Updated on 2 weeks by Charbel Coorey
Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11
The New Year’s Eve clash at the picturesque Adelaide Oval. A night to always look forward to.
Adelaide Strikers return home after a tough trip to Perth, where they were exposed to fast and bouncy conditions at Optus Stadium. It is now two defeats on the trot for the defending champions, and now come up against one of the most improved sides. The batting has been a bit of a let down so far in BBL08, and with a few other sides going well, it is time for the Strikers to get going.
Sydney Thunder are indeed one of the most improved sides in BBL08. They too are coming off a defeat, against the still undefeated Hobart Hurricanes, in a game they could have easily won. Jos Buttler continues to defy logic with his white ball form, and his battle against Alex Carey could go a long way to deciding the game. Can the Thunder handle the pressure situations a little better?
Key to an Adelaide Strikers win
Adelaide Strikers’ start was the stuff of nightmares in Perth. Alex Carey has been run out two games in a row, and the Strikers need him to deliver in a game that contains arguably the best keeper batsman in white ball cricket. Jake Weatherald is yet to replicate his form from the back end of last season. Colin Ingram has passed 30 once in his last 12 T20 innings. It is time for the top order to fire in the New Year’s Eve clash against a Sydney Thunder side keen for an improved bowling performance than they showed in Hobart. Then, the middle order can play with greater freedom.
Also, can the Strikers attack get the better of the Thunder top order? Jos Buttler is the key wicket early, along with Shane Watson and Joe Root, who are yet to properly fire in BBL08. Billy Stanlake bowled well in Perth, and needs to find game-to-game consistency. With the likes of Michael Neser, Ben Laughlin, Peter Siddle and the best T20 bowler Rashid Khan, the Strikers have the resources to pick up regular wickets and contain the Thunder lineup.

Key to a Sydney Thunder win
Jos Buttler held the innings beautifully against Hobart Hurricanes, but who else will step up? Shane Watson and Joe Root are yet to get going, and with Callum Ferguson, Jason Sangha and Daniel Sams all showing promising form at one point or another, the Thunder need a cohesive batting performance to put pressure on an Adelaide side looking to arrest a bit of a slide.
However, arguably the biggest area for improvement for the Thunder is in their bowling. They were unable to break through early against the Hurricanes, and need to in Adelaide, as well as execute a lot better in the pressure death overs. Daniel Sams had a bad day, but should be backed to bounce back. Fawad Ahmed also needs to have the impact he did against the Sixers, with Chris Green providing tight overs. Sam Rainbird, a good find so far for the Thunder, will be key also in picking up wickets for his side. A cohesive bowling effort is needed, just like the batting, as two or three poor overs can swing the result.

Predicted Playing XIs
Peter Siddle returns to the Adelaide Strikers squad. Legspinner Liam O’Connor also returns. In very sad news, Rashid Khan’s father passed away, but he has said he will like to play this one.
Adelaide Strikers XI: 1. Alex Carey (wk), 2. Jake Weatherald, 3. Matthew Short, 4. Colin Ingram (c), 5. Jono Wells, 6. Jake Lehmann, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Michael Neser, 9. Peter Siddle, 10. Ben Laughlin, 11. Billy Stanlake
Sydney Thunder have named an unchanged squad. One change they might make is Gurinder Sandhu for the struggling Nathan McAndrew.
Sydney Thunder XI: 1. Jos Buttler (wk), 2. Shane Watson, 3. Callum Ferguson, 4. Joe Root, 5. Jason Sangha, 6. Daniel Sams, 7. Chris Green, 8. Gurinder Sandhu, 9. Sam Rainbird, 10. Jono Cook, 11. Fawad Ahmed
Dream11 Prediction
An exciting clash to round out 2018. Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

- Alex Carey’s two run outs have hurt my prediction as Carey as leading run scorer in BBL08! Even though Carey is a great option, how can Buttler be ignored?
- Jono Wells has been in decent form and offers good value.
- Matthew Short played a fine knock in his last game at Adelaide Oval.
- Daniel Sams had a bad game against Hobart Hurricanes, but is still a fine option.
- Rashid Khan will play (confirmed by Adelaide Strikers).
- Ben Laughlin gets the nod because of his wicket taking potential at the death.
Stats and Facts
- Head-to-Head: Strikers 5, Thunder 3
- Adelaide Strikers have never lost a New Year’s Eve clash in BBL (five matches).
- Jos Buttler has two fifties in a row.
Prediction
Promises to be an exciting clash.
Both sides are very capable of getting an important victory, but I believe Adelaide Strikers will get a win in a tight game.
Thanks for reading!
Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Preview + Dream11