Last Updated on 7 years by Charbel Coorey
Which way will this game go?
Despite my thoughts that both teams will likely finish outside of the top four this season, both the Strikers and Thunder possess exciting talent to keep an eye on. It is almost impossible to choose a winner, and that is the recipe for an exciting clash.
Adelaide Strikers look significantly weaker than last season, especially in the batting department, and will probably have to rely on certain players like the Sydney Thunder on the opening night. Losing the likes of Ben Dunk and Brad Hodge has left a huge hole, and they will be relying on inexperienced players to deliver a successful season. Much will depend on skipper Travis Head and international player Colin Ingram to deliver.
Adelaide’s batting must hold up to give their bowling a chance, which looks promising on paper. 19-year old Afghanistan leg spin sensation Rashid Khan has all the ability to lead Adelaide to a win tonight, and is a certain contender for top wicket taker in this year’s BBL. In a difficult year in terms of recruitment for Adelaide, Rashid Khan is a brilliant pick up. Billy Stanlake, Peter Siddle, and Ben Laughlin are three key fast bowlers that round off a pretty good Adelaide attack.
Rashid Khan will be a key player for Adelaide Strikers |
Sydney Thunder, last year’s bottom placed team, have the chance to start the season with two wins. Their performance in the first game vs Sydney Sixers was filled with good and bad, and if they are to make any mark in this competition, they need to show a lot more consistency across the 40 overs. Also, it’d be good not to rely on Shane Watson so much.
Personally, I’m hoping that Callum Ferguson is fit enough to return to move Ryan Gibson out of the side. Without being too harsh on Gibson, his innings of 8 off 17 balls sucked momentum out of the Thunder’s run chase and nearly cost them the game. Again, to make a mark in the competition, you need a well-rounded side, and let go of any potential liabilities. I’m also excited to see the impact Jos Buttler can have in his second match after making a duck in the first, as well as seeing how Sydney Thunder’s attack, especially Fawad Ahmed and Mitchell McClenaghan, back up after a solid effort vs the Sixers.
Fawad Ahmed was super impressive in the first game |
The fact that Sydney Thunder have had a game under their belt could be an advantage.
Key to an Adelaide Strikers win
Restricting Sydney Thunder to a low score.
Adelaide’s bowling is their strength on paper, led by Rashid Khan. He will be sure to tie up an end in addition to his ability to pick up wickets, and form excellent bowling partnerships with the fast bowlers.
Sydney Thunder’s batting looked shaky at times vs Sixers – Kurtis Patterson struggled to score quickly enough, Jos Buttler was out for a duck, and Ryan Gibson played an innings to forget. If the Strikers remove Watson early, they’ll really fancy their chances.
Adelaide have the bowlers, and Thunder have the shaky batting line up, to see wickets fall consistently.
Key to a Sydney Thunder win
- In the last two games between these sides, the away side has won. In the previous meeting, Adelaide thrashed Sydney Thunder by 77 runs in Sydney.
- Shane Watson and Ryan Gibson put on a partnership of 41 in 30 balls against Sydney Sixers. Shane Watson faced just 13 balls out of the 30, and scored 33 runs.
- Sydney Thunder have won two of the last three matches against Adelaide Strikers.
- Ben Dunk was the leading run scorer in the last Big Bash (364 runs). How will Adelaide go without him?
- Shane Watson has top scored for the Thunder in 3 of their last 4 games.
- In 78 T20 matches around the world, Rashid Khan has taken 112 wickets at an average of 15.66 and economy rate of 5.84.