Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

BBL09 Match 17: AS vs ST Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report BBL09 Match Prediction Today | Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Prediction Today | Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Key Players | AS vs ST Dream11 Prediction

New Years’ Eve turns blue in Adelaide.

In even better news for the locals, the Adelaide Strikers enter the annual NYE clash in terrific form. They have won their past three matches, and have held their nerve in crucial moments in all three games.

Sydney Thunder have been a tad unlucky. The smoke against the Strikers earlier this season put a halt on a game they were ahead in, before a heartbreaking loss against the Sixers. Can they spoil the Adelaide New Years’ party?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

• Alex Carey is the current top-scorer in BBL09 (186). Also, he scores well vs Sydney Thunder: 44 (26), 34 (28), 59 (40) and 45 (40).
• Callum Ferguson in BBL09: 156 runs at average of 78.00. Also, Ferguson scored 47 (39) in the NYE game vs Strikers last season.
• Alex Hales and Usman Khawaja (119 runs vs Strikers at 59.50) remain key at the top of the order.
• Peter Siddle was man-of-the-match in the corresponding fixture in 2018/19 (3/20).
• Rashid Khan enjoys playing the Thunder. His performances against them before this season: 2/22, 2/21, 2/34 and 2/21.
• It was a welcome return to form for Phil Salt last game. His 54 (26) set the game up for the Strikers.
• Jake Weatherald’s last two scores in NYE matches: 8 and 11. However, his form in BBL09 has been very promising (152 runs in four games).
• Daniel Sams has seven wickets in four BBL09 games. Also, he took 2/24 in the corresponding game last season. Chris Morris has four in two matches.
• Wes Agar has contributed nicely: Five wickets in his past three games.

Head-to-Head:

• Matches 12, Strikers 6, Thunder 4, NR 2.
• Strikers lead 2-1 in matches at Adelaide Oval.

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Key to an Adelaide Strikers win

Plenty rests on the shoulders of the Thunder top three. Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales and Callum Ferguson are key wickets, and if the Strikers can pick up at least two cheaply, the game opens up. Keep an eye out for Wes Agar, Rashid Khan and Peter Siddle as a trio.

Also, can Alex Carey continue his strong record vs Thunder? With a lowest score of 34 in four games, the Strikers will be keen for their skipper to deliver the goods in an important, with the likes of Phil Salt, Jake Weatherald and Jono Wells making key contributions.

Key to a Sydney Thunder win

After heartbreak in Sydney, can the Thunder bowlers recover well? Like the Thunder top three, plenty rests on the Strikers’ top order, who were good in Melbourne the other day. Can Daniel Sams, Chris Morris and the spinners halt Adelaide’s progress?

Also, will it be a night for the Thunder top three? Possessing plenty of quality and experience, the Thunder top order has a huge role to play in setting up a strong score. With some hard-hitting ability in the middle order, it is on the top three to set a platform.

Possible Playing 11

Harry Conway comes back into the Strikers’ 13-man squad, replacing Liam O’Connor.

Adelaide Strikers: 1. Phil Salt, 2. Jake Weatherald, 3. Alex Carey (c & wk), 4. Matt Short, 5. Jono Wells, 6. Cameron White, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Cameron Valente/Harry Conway, 9. Peter Siddle, 10. Wes Agar, 11. Billy Stanlake

Sydney Thunder have named their 13-man squad.

Sydney Thunder: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Alex Hales, 3. Callum Ferguson (c), 4. Matthew Gilkes (wk), 5. Alex Ross, 6. Chris Morris, 7. Daniel Sams, 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!

Adelaide Oval Pitch Report and Conditions

The forecast is pleasant for Adelaide. The temperature will be sitting around the mid-20s, with no chance of rain.

In terms of the pitch, expect a batting belter. The only match of BBL09 so far in Adelaide saw a number of huge hits, with Adelaide Strikers (198) beating Perth Scorchers (183) in a high-scoring, 18-over game.

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

An excellent match in prospect at the beautiful Adelaide Oval.

Both sides have been playing well in BBL09 so far, but Adelaide Strikers in front of a big home crowd are a good pick for a win.

Thanks for reading!