Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11

A side that has won both its games up against a side that has lost its last two.

Remember Melbourne Renegades? A week is a long time in a T20 competition, and they will play their first game since December 23 when they beat Adelaide Strikers away from home. The Renegades’ have made a superb start to the season, dispatching the two tournament favourites Scorchers and Strikers in successive matches, and come up against a side struggling for form.

That side is Sydney Sixers. Their top order has crumbled three times in as many games, with the middle and lower order left with plenty to do. It all worked out for them against the Scorchers, but they were deservedly thrashed by Sydney Thunder and strugglers Melbourne Stars. Can the Sixers get things right on what is expected to be a slow Marvel Stadium track?

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Key to a Melbourne Renegades win

The Renegades’ allrounders have been absolutely superb so far in BBL08. Mohammad Nabi and Daniel Christian have performed with both bat and ball, reducing the pressure on both the frontline batsmen and bowlers. Those two will be key again in maintaining the pressure on the Sixers’ batting lineup right throughout the innings, as well as provide crucial middle order solidity. However, can the likes of Cameron White and Tom Cooper fire with the bat to propel the Renegades even further?

Also, will the Renegades seamers enjoy life as they did against the Scorchers? Usman Shinwari Khan, Kane Richardson and Jack Wildermuth took a combined 7/53 off 11 overs in that match, and with the Sixers struggling at the top, the setting is set for another good outing with the ball.

Key to a Sydney Sixers win

Sydney Sixers have fallen to 30/3, 56/6 and 70/6 respectively in each of their three games, which has been the core of their problems. Joe Denly is yet to fire the way he did at the end of BBL07. Moises Henriques has 26 runs in three innings. Jack Edwards is yet to replicate his form for New South Wales. Here, the top order must deliver against a well-drilled Renegades attack to pave the way for the likes of Jordan Silk, Daniel Hughes and Tom Curran to play with freedom.

Also, can the Sixers put pressure quickly on the Renegades’ middle order? Sam Harper and Cameron White made starts for the Renegades in their last game. These two players are key wickets, along with the out of form Tim Ludeman and Tom Cooper. In Ben Dwarshuis, Steve O’Keefe, Sean Abbott and Tom Curran, the Sixers have wicket taking potential. However, will they score enough runs?

Predicted Playing XIs

Melbourne Renegades have named their 13-man squad.

Melbourne Renegades: 1. Sam Harper, 2. Tim Ludeman (wk), 3. Cameron White, 4. Tom Cooper (c), 5. Beau Webster, 6. Mohammad Nabi, 7. Daniel Christian, 8. Jack Wildermuth, 9. Cameron Boyce, 10. Kane Richardson, 11. Usman Shinwari Khan

Sydney Sixers have brought back Lloyd Pope for Greg West in their 13-man squad.

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

Dream11

Allrounders galore? Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

• Josh Phillipe has disappointed so far for Sydney Sixers. Tim Ludeman is not in the best form, but his potential as opener is worth going for.
• Moises Henriques is due for runs, and Daniel Hughes has been in decent form. Cameron White also makes my side.
• Daniel Christian is my captain. Mohammad Nabi and Steve O’Keefe are good options on a slow Marvel Stadium pitch.
• Kane Richardson and Usman Shinwari were excellent at Marvel Stadium in their opening game, taking five wickets between them.
• Sean Abbott and Tom Curran offer good variations with the ball, as well as potential runs with the bat.

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-Head: Melbourne Renegades 4, Sydney Sixers 3
• Last time they met: Melbourne Renegades beat Sydney Sixers by eight wickets.
• Melbourne Renegades are one of two undefeated sides in BBL08, along with Hobart Hurricanes.

Prediction

Was unsure of Melbourne Renegades at the beginning of BBL08, but they have made an excellent start.

Sydney Sixers, on the other hand, whilst possessing a talented squad, have played very poorly.

Melbourne Renegades to win this one.

Thanks for reading!

PS I have recently partnered with the great team at onlinecricstore.com!

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Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11