Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
BBL09 Match 28: MS vs ST Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report MS vs ST Dream11 | BBL09 Match Prediction Today | Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder Prediction Today| Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder Key Players | MS vs ST Dream11 Prediction
A week following Melbourne Stars‘ win over Sydney Thunder in Sydney, the two sides go again, looking to further cement their place in the BBL09 top five.
The Stars are arguably the team to beat. However, whether they can maintain their nerve in the biggest games of the season remains to be seen. But, for now, they look like they could conquer all before them, including the Thunder, who have lost two straight games after being on the wrong end of a Tom Banton onslaught two nights ago.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
- Marcus Stoinis is currently the leading BBL09 run-scorer (281 at 70.25).
- Stoinis scored 58 vs Thunder a week ago, part of a fine run of form where his last five scores read: 81*, 33, 25, 58, 68*.
- Usman Khawaja failed against the Stars last week, but still has a good record against them: 250 runs at an average of 50. Alex Hales has had a quiet few games: 11*, 32, 4, 0, 20*. He needs a big outing.
- Nick Larkin loves playing the Thunder. His scores in three games against them: 28*, 41*, 65.
- Sydney Thunder need Callum Ferguson to deliver in this game. He has to improve on his record vs Stars: 34 runs in three games.
- Glenn Maxwell took two wickets vs Sydney Thunder last week. His record vs them with the bat (avg. 16 in seven games) is poor, but he is coming off some time at the crease (40* off 32 balls vs Renegades).
- Alex Ross scored 40 vs Melbourne Stars one week ago.
- Daniel Sams is the leading wicket-taker in BBL09 (14). He has taken at least two wickets in every game, except for one where he took a single wicket. He took three wickets vs Stars last week.
- Haris Rauf will be playing in this game. He has been one of the stars of BBL09 (10 wickets in three games).
- Chris Morris has eight wickets in five games.
- Sandeep Lamichhane (3/26) and Adam Zampa (2/19) were superb at the MCG last time out, taking 5/45 between them. Also, Zampa has eight wickets in six games vs Thunder.
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Head-to-Head
- Matches 11, Stars 5, Thunder 6.
- Melbourne Stars have won the last two meetings between the sides. The last meeting was a week ago, where the Stars’ middle order made hard work of what looked a straightforward chase.
Possible Playing 11
Dale Steyn’s BBL09 stint is over. Pat Brown, supposed to be his replacement, has suffered a lower-back stress fracture and is out for an extended period. So, fast bowler Haris Rauf is in the 13-man squad and the stage is set for him to shine again.
Melbourne Stars: 1. Marcus Stoinis, 2. Hilton Cartwright/Nic Maddinson, 3. Nick Larkin, 4. Glenn Maxwell (c), 5. Peter Handscomb (wk), 6. Ben Dunk, 7. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 8. Adam Zampa, 9. Haris Rauf, 10. Daniel Worrall, 11. Sandeep Lamichhane
Jono Cook is back in the Thunder 13-man squad after missing out in the Thunder’s loss vs Heat in the rain-affected match two nights ago.
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. Nathan McAndrew, 10. Arjun Nair/Jono Cook, 11. Chris Tremain
MCG Pitch Report and Conditions
Both the Renegades and Stars top orders had a good time of things in the last game at MCG. However, the Stars’ spinners ripped through the Renegades in the middle overs, which suggests this could be a period where the scoring rate can be contained.
In terms of the weather, smoke haze has been hanging around Melbourne in recent weeks. No rain is forecast.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
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Match Prediction
Melbourne Stars are looking strong. Sydney Thunder have hit a bit of a wall.
The Thunder, punching above their weight, have it in them to compete. However, the Stars’ depth and quality should get them over the line.
Thanks for reading!
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