Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey
BBL 2021/22 Match 1: SIX vs STA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SS vs MS Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Key Players | SCG Pitch Report
The champions and BBL 11 favourites Sydney Sixers will grace the public in the tournament’s opening match. A new season brings renewed optimism for Sixers fans who will again be treated to a very strong squad, and Moises Henriques’ team will be aiming to make the perfect start to their title defence.
The men in magenta now have Tom Curran back in their squad, along with the experienced Chris Jordan for five matches. Moises Henriques, who was on Australia duty during the last season, will lead a very balanced team from top to bottom. They look hard to beat once again, and will want to produce the kind of performances their squad suggests they should.
So, Melbourne Stars face arguably the toughest test right away. Unlike the Sixers, the Stars have never gone all the way in BBL history, and are now coming off a very poor BBL 10 campaign where they finished seventh. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, who are both coming off World Cup glory, will be key to their hopes of posting a big total, while Adam Zampa has the job of leading the attack in the middle overs.
There is some doubt about the Stars’ prospects this season given the reliance on a few players. However, if others can step up early in the season – particularly against a good opponent – it will only help increase confidence for the season ahead.
Key Players to Watch Key Stats
Sydney Sixers:
- Josh Philippe will be one to watch. He scored the third-most runs in BBL 2020/21 with 508 at an average of 31.75 and strike rate of 149.41.
- However, the Stars aren’t Philippe’s favourite opponents. He has struck just 141 runs against them in eight matches at an average of 17.63 and strike rate of 128.18.
- James Vince was the Sixers’ star man in their run to the title last season. He smashed 98* and 95 in the Qualifier and Final. He has scored 482 runs in 14 T20s on this ground at an average of 43.82 and strike rate of 143.45.
- Vince has a middling record vs Stars: 123 runs in seven matches at an average of 20.50 and strike rate of 123.00.
- Daniel Hughes averages 25.30 in 11 matches vs Stars. He did enjoy some great success against them last season, with 96 off 51 balls against a very similar Stars attack to what is expected in this match.
- Daniel Christian was out of the this world last season. He smashed 282 runs at an average of 34.00 and strike rate of 182.55, including 49* off 23 balls in his last match vs Stars. He also took 15 wickets, including two vs Stars.
- Christian has a solid record overall vs Stars: 14 matches, 341 runs, avg. 34.10, strike rate: 133.73.
- Sean Abbott has taken 10 wickets in 10 matches vs Stars. He loves bowling at the SCG, with 48 scalps in 33 matches on this ground.
- Steve O’Keefe has taken 11 wickets in 12 matches vs Stars at an average of 23.82 and economy rate of 6.39.
Melbourne Stars:
- Glenn Maxwell loves playing the Sixers. He has the most runs of any player in Sixers-Stars matches, with 569 in 14 matches at a fine average of 47.42 and strike rate of 157.18. This includes scores of 66 (41) and 71* (47) last season. He also has 10 wickets to his name.
- Maxwell has scored 328 runs in 11 T20s at the SCG at an average of 32.80 and strike rate of 147.09.
- Marcus Stoinis, who had a fine T20 World Cup campaign, will be key to the Stars’ hopes this season. He smashed 147* vs Sixers a couple of seasons ago, part of 280 runs against them at an average of 40.00 and strike rate of 165.68.
- Englishman Joe Clarke is expected to take the gloves and open the batting. He had an outstanding T20 Cup tournament in England earlier this year, smashing 408 runs in 12 matches at an average of 37.09 and strike rate of 180.53.
- Hilton Cartwright has a strong record vs Sixers. In 11 matches against them, he has scored 221 runs at an average of 36.83 and strike rate of 144.44.
- Adam Zampa is coming off a dream T20 World Cup campaign. The leg-spinner will be key here, and he enjoys playing the Sixers: seven innings, 11 wickets, avg. 16.45, economy rate 6.96.
Stats and Facts
- Head-to-head: Matches 16, Sixers 9, Stars 7.
- Sixers have won the last five matches between the two teams.
- Jordan Silk has remained not out in five of his 10 innings vs Stars (249 runs, average: 49.20). Also, he has the third-most runs of any player at the SCG in all T20s: 610, avg. 38.13, SR 130.34.
- Moises Henriques averages 21 against the Stars and at the SCG.
Possible Playing 11
Sydney Sixers have named their squad for this match. Sean Abbott is included, while Ben Dwarshuis is out injured.
Sydney Sixers: 1. Daniel Hughes, 2. Josh Phillipe (wk), 3. James Vince, 4. Moises Henriques (c), 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Dan Christian, 7. Tom Curran, 8. Chris Jordan, 9. Sean Abbott, 10. Steve O’Keefe, 11. Lloyd Pope/Ben Manenti
Melbourne Stars have named their squad for this match.
Melbourne Stars: 1. Marcus Stoinis, 2. Joe Clarke (wk) 3. Nick Larkin, 4. Glenn Maxwell (c), 5. Beau Webster, 6. Hilton Cartwright, 7. Tom O’Connell, 8. Adam Zampa, 9. Clint Hinchliffe/Sam Elliott, 10. Sam Rainbird, 11. Syed Faridoun
SCG Pitch Report and Weather
The three T20s on this ground last season saw some big scores. India chased 195 vs Australia, and then Australia defended 188 in the next match. In the BBL Final, the Sixers smashed 188 and beat the Scorchers by 27 runs. Expect a good surface for this match.
There is a chance of rain in the morning in Sydney, but the weather shouldn’t be an issue by the time the evening comes.
Dream11 Prediction
BELOW TEAMS WILL BE UPDATED SHORTLY IN LINE WITH THE FINAL SQUADS.
Option 1:

Option 2:

Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
- Wicket-keepers: Joe Clarke, Josh Philippe,
- Batsmen: Marcus Stoinis, James Vince
- All-rounders: Dan Christian, Glenn Maxwell
- Bowlers: Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott
Match Prediction
Sydney Sixers, given their great depth, should start off with a win. That too at home.