Last Updated on 11 months ago by Charbel Coorey

BBL 10 Match 48: SIX vs THU Preview Dream11 Possible 11 Pitch Report | SIX vs THU Dream11 Prediction Today | Sixers vs Thunder Key Players | Adelaide Oval Pitch Report

BBL 10 Sydney Smash, take two. And while the last one was the battle between first and second place, this one has a more crucial feel to it.

Why? Because the Sydney Thunder, who were enjoying a fine campaign, have lost four of their last five games. Incredibly, after looking so assured, the men in green are at risk of missing the playoffs altogether. And now with the loss of Daniel Sams for three games with injury, it is desperation times. In fact, if they lose today and the Hurricanes beat the Scorchers, the Thunder could finish the day outside the top five (Bash Boost point pending). So, can Callum Ferguson’s men hold their nerve?

On the contrary, what a run it’s been for the Sydney Sixers. And scarily, they are bolstered even further by the addition of Sean Abbott and Moises Henriques, who are proven performers over a number of years. Inspired by the talented and exciting Josh Philippe, the Sixers have swept aside just about every one in front of them. In the complete opposite to the Thunder’s situation, the Sixers have won four of their last five (including their last three), which includes a comprehensive win over today’s opponents. So, can the men in magenta put a huge dent in the playoff hopes of their crosstown rivals?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sydney Sixers:

• Josh Philippe has been outstanding. He has the most runs in BBL 10 (421) at an average of 38.27 and SR 148.76. This includes two consecutive half-centuries, including one against the Thunder (64 off 36 balls).
• Daniel Hughes loves playing the Thunder. He has scored 318 runs against them at a fine average of 53.00.
• Moises Henriques returns. He too has a solid record vs Thunder, with 281 runs at an average of 35.13.
• What a tournament Dan Christian has had. He has 182 runs (avg. 30, SR 191.57) to his name, as well as 12 wickets (avg. 24). Also, he has scored 214 runs and taken 12 scalps in 13 games vs Thunder.
• Sean Abbott also returns. He has taken 14 wickets in 12 games vs Thunder.
• Steve O’Keefe was player of the match vs Thunder last week, after he took a superb 3/15 off his four overs.

Sydney Thunder:

• Alex Hales has a crucial role to play. He struck a half-century vs Sixers last week (54 off 33 balls), part of 352 runs in BBL 10 at an average of 32.00 and SR 157.84.
• Usman Khawaja has the most runs for any current Thunder player vs Sixers (201, avg. 33.50).
• Callum Ferguson is enduring a poor run of form (last four scores: 1, 0, 3, 23). So, the Thunder will be hoping the skipper can improve on his form and record vs Sixers (6 inns, 119 runs, avg. 23.80, SR 92.97).
• Sam Billings (139.85) and Ben Cutting (145.38) both have strong strike rates in BBL 10. Plenty will be expected of these two in the absence of Daniel Sams.
• Tanveer Sangha has the equal fourth-most wickets in BBL 10 (18 in 11 matches). He will have a key role to play.
• Nathan McAndrew has taken 13 wickets in 10 matches in BBL 10, and can contribute with some handy lower order runs.

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head: Matches 18, Sixers 12, Thunder 6.
• Sixers beat Thunder by five wickets (D/L method) last week.
• Ben Cutting averages just 11.45 with the bat in 12 games vs Sixers. He does have 11 wickets, though.

Possible Playing 11

Sydney Sixers have named their squad. Sean Abbott and Moises Henriques are back from Australian duty and Ben Dwarshuis returns from injury.

Sydney Sixers: 1. Josh Philippe (wk), 2. Justin Avendano, 3. James Vince, 4. Daniel Hughes, 5. Moises Henriques (c), 6. Daniel Christian, 7. Carlos Brathwaite, 8. Sean Abbott, 9. Steve O’Keefe, 10. Ben Dwarshuis, 11. Lloyd Pope

Daniel Sams is out for at least three games with a hand injury. So, Thunder need to adequately replace him, either with a batsman (i.e. Alex Ross or Jason Sangha) or bowler (i.e. Brendan Doggett).

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

Adelaide Oval Pitch Report and Weather

Yesterday, Alex Carey scored a superb century on what was a beautiful Adelaide Oval pitch. In BBL 10, the team setting and chasing have won three games each, with an average first innings score of 167.5.

Another warm and sunny day is forecast, with a top temperature in the early 30s in Adelaide.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

The addition of Henriques, Abbott and Dwarshuis are huge boosts to an already well-oiled Sixers machine. In contrast, the loss of Sams for the Thunder is a huge blow. So, given these factors, as well as the form lines between the teams, the Sixers look good for a win.

Thanks for reading!