Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers Preview Dream11. MLR vs SDS Preview Dream11 Prediction
Favours have already been handed over ahead of the second Semi Final. The Sixers had second place just about sewn up, before an awful performance against Melbourne Stars handed it to the Renegades.
Instead of the game being in Sydney, it is in Melbourne.
Melbourne Renegades would have loved what they saw on Sunday, seeing the Sixers crumble to pace and spin to hand them a home Semi Final. They too are coming off a loss, to now-eliminated Hobart Hurricanes, and need to get their batting in order with all to play. The Renegades are one of three BBL08 Finals teams to have never won the BBL Title before, and if they beat the Sixers (the only team out of the four who has won a Title), a brand new champion will be crowned in the Final on Sunday.
Sydney Sixers have already done the Renegades a huge favour, handing over a home Semi Final on the most silver of silver platters. They looked distracted against the Stars, perhaps focused on the Semi Finals, and must bounce back quickly. Also, they were thrashed by the Renegades in Sydney in the previous match between the sides, but won the match at Marvel Stadium earlier in the season. They rolled the Renegades over 99 that night, but can their top order step up to reach the Final? A big test awaits in the absence of Tom Curran, who has now joined England’s squad for the ODI series in the Caribbean.
Key to a Melbourne Renegades win
The Renegades have an opportunity. Sydney Sixers have shown a tendency to lose powerplay wickets right throughout BBL08. This was on show in their most recent game against the Stars, and also in the Renegades’ last meeting with the Sixers where they picked up a thumping win. Kane Richardson and Chris Tremain will be key at the top, and with Mohammad Nabi on national duty vs Ireland, the support these two get will be crucial. Can Daniel Christian deliver middle over wickets? Will Cameron Boyce and Harry Gurney continue the pressure built by the frontline bowlers? If the Renegades can have Jordan Silk walking out just after the powerplay at the latest, they could very well be on their way to victory.
However, like the Sixers, the Renegades’ batting isn’t without its issues. Marcus Harris is struggling for runs in recent times, and will be a key player at the top along with Aaron Finch in overcoming the likes of Steve O’Keefe, Ben Dwarshuis and Sean Abbott. These two opening batsmen have not fired the way they can, and there is no better time than now to lay a great platform for the likes of Cameron White, Sam Harper, Tom Cooper and Daniel Christian to play off the back of. In a crucial game, a strong powerplay is key.
Also read: MRF “Master Chaser” or DSC “Dwayne Bravo”? The top 10 cricket bats of 2019!
Key to a Sydney Sixers win
You guessed it… the Sixers’ powerplay batting. After four straight convincing wins, old wounds reopened for the Sixers in what was an awful batting display against the Stars. Powerplay wickets have been an issue throughout the tournament, and in a do-or-die game, a strong start is crucial. James Vince has shown fine form in BBL08, and will be a key figure along with the experienced Daniel Hughes and Moises Henriques. Also, can Josh Philippe bat long enough to make an impact? There is no doubt the Sixers’ top four is crucial to their success.
Also, how well will the Sixers fare without Tom Curran? The absence of their star all-rounder leaves a big gap to fill, but the Sixers have shown good form with the ball throughout the tournament. Steve O’Keefe and Sean Abbott are high up on the BBL08 wicket taking charts, and will be key in leading an attack that also includes the capable Ben Dwarshuis and Nathan Lyon. If picked, can Ben Manenti find his length early on what is expected to be a slowish pitch, on a ground where he had success earlier this year? Can the Sixers win the powerplay battle against a side looking to get the better of them in the same period?
Also read: Looking to evolve as a fast bowler? Here are five tips.
Possible Playing 11
Cameron White returns to the Renegades squad after recovering from a hamstring injury. White for Nabi could be the only change to the XI from the last game.
Melbourne Renegades: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. Marcus Harris, 3. Cameron White, 4. Sam Webster (wk), 5. Tom Cooper, 6. Daniel Christian, 7. Mackenzie Harvey/Jack Wildermuth, 8. Cameron Boyce, 9. Kane Richardson, 10. Chris Tremain, 11. Harry Gurney
Tom Curran has departed the Sixers for national duty. Lloyd Pope has been replaced by Ben Manenti. Justin Avendano is also in the squad.
Sydney Sixers: 1. Daniel Hughes, 2. Josh Philippe (wk), 3. James Vince, 4. Moises Henriques, 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Jack Edwards, 7. Sean Abbott, 8. Steve O’Keefe, 9. Ben Dwarshuis, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Ben Manenti
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
Option 2:
Stats and Facts
- Sydney Sixers have won five of their past seven games against Melbourne Renegades.
- Seven different Sydney Sixers batsmen have scored half centuries this season. Melbourne Renegades have three.
- BBL08 Head-to-Head: Melbourne Renegades 1 Sydney Sixers 1
- If Melbourne Renegades win this, then it is certain there will be a brand new BBL champion. Neither of the Melbourne sides have won a Title.
Match Prediction
It is incredible to see both these sides making the finals comfortably, given how inconsistent they have been in BBL08. This is what makes this match difficult to predict.
However, despite giving up second place and no Tom Curran, I believe the Sixers have strong Finals experience. Also, with a good record vs the Renegades, I think the Sixers will win and play the Stars in the Final.
Thanks for reading!
Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers Preview Dream11. MLR vs SDS Preview Dream11 Prediction
