Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

BBL09 Match 14: SS vs ST Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BBL09 Match Prediction Today | Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder Prediction Today | Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder Key Players | SS vs ST Dream11 Prediction

The Christmas period has delivered some close thrillers in BBL. Another can be expected here as the first Sydney Smash of BBL09 is set to get underway between magenta pink and light green.

It’s Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder; two sides who find themselves in the top five heading into the New Year. The Sixers, so up-and-down in their form, are coming off a fine win in Perth. The Thunder were denied by bushfire smoke last time out, with only four more balls needed for victory.

Who will win this one?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

• Josh Philippe will be keen for a significant score. His three knocks since his superb 81* read: 24, 15, 9.
• Callum Ferguson has looked outstanding in BBL09: Scores of 73* (44), 4 (poor LBW decision) and 27* (14).
• Usman Khawaja (170 runs at 56.67 vs Sixers) and Alex Hales have also looked promising in BBL09. They make up the crucial top three for the Thunder.
• Daniel Hughes spent some time at the crease last game in Perth. He loves playing the Thunder: 274 runs at 91.33. Moises Henriques also enjoys playing the Thunder with 239 runs at an average of 39.83.
• Sean Abbott is currently the leading wicket-taker in BBL09. Also, he has 12 wickets in 11 matches vs the Thunder.
• Tom Curran is coming off a superb all-round display in Perth. Also, he has five wickets in two matches vs Thunder.
• Steve O’Keefe has just four wickets in eight games vs Thunder.
• Daniel Sams: Six wickets in three games in BBL09.
• Jono Cook and Arjun Nair have combined for seven wickets so far in BBL09.
• Ben Dwarshuis has been in good form. Can he build on five wickets in six games vs Thunder?

Also read: Is cricket blogging something you are looking to pursue more of in 2020? Download my free E-Book for tips!

Head-to-Head

• Matches: 15, Sixers 10, Thunder 5.
• Sydney Sixers won the first seven meetings between the sides. Sydney Thunder have won five of the past eight meetings.

Key to a Sydney Sixers win

Daniel Hughes has a superb record vs Sydney Thunder. His 35 in Perth could be the starting point for more in this match, setting the platform the Sixers to get a strong score. Indeed, the likes of Josh Philippe, James Vince and Moises Henriques will also be crucial, with last-game hero Tom Curran to finish the innings off.

Also, can the Sixers get the better of the Thunder top three? Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales and Callum Ferguson hold a big key to the Thunder chances, so if the Sixers can break the game open early, they will be tough to run down.

Key to a Sydney Thunder win

The Sydney Thunder spinners have been impressive so far in BBL09. Chris Green, Jono Cook and Arjun Nair have worked well as a unit so far in the tournament. Also, with Daniel Sams in the wickets, along with the experience of Chris Morris, it will be interesting to see if the Thunder can catch the Sixers on a bad day.

Also, can the top three set a great platform? Khawaja, Hales and Ferguson have all had their moments so far in BBL09, and if they can do so again, the likes of Daniel Sams and Chris Morris can look to go big.

Possible Playing 11

Steve O’Keefe is in the Sixers squad and could play. If he does, Lloyd Pope will likely miss out. Also, Jackson Bird was superb last game in Perth, taking three wickets. With Hayden Kerr out of the squad, the Sixers could play Tom Curran at six, accommodating two spinners.

Sydney Sixers: 1. Daniel Hughes, 2. Josh Philippe (wk), 3. James Vince, 4. Moises Henriques (c), 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Tom Curran, 7. Sean Abbott, 8. Ben Dwarshuis, 9. Ben Manenti, 10. Steve O’Keefe/Lloyd Pope, 11. Jackson Bird

Sydney Thunder will likely focus on their strength: spin.

Sydney Thunder: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Alex Hales, 3. Callum Ferguson (c), 4. Matthew Gilkes (wk), 5. Alex Ross, 6. Daniel Sams, 7. Chris Morris, 8. Chris Green, 9. Arjun Nair, 10. Chris Tremain, 11. Jono Cook

Also read: Is cricket blogging something you are looking to pursue more of in 2020? Download my free E-Book for tips!

SCG Pitch Report and Conditions

Temperatures in the late 20s are forecast for Sydney. No rain is expected.

In terms of the pitch, the SCG track is usually on the slower side with spinners/pacers who bowl cutters having a say. Could be a bat-first day with a focus on defending well.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Also read: Dream11 content for you to enjoy on CricBlog:

• 6 tips to increase chances of winning in Dream11
• MyTeam11 vs Dream11: Which is better for you?
• Pros and cons of Dream11’s deadline decision

Match Prediction

Flip of the coin. Both the Sixers and Thunder are excellent on a good day, but poor when things aren’t going their way.

So, this one could come down to who bats first. Sydney Sixers deservedly begin as favourites as home, but the Thunder have it in them to get a positive result.

Thanks for reading!

Check this out: Have what it takes to be a Cricket Manager? Introducing Cricket Tycoon – an innovative cricket manager game where you can take on your friends and other managers