Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Thunder Preview Dream11
Is this it for the pre-tournament favourites? Could we see the men in orange still be stuck in last position after ten matches?
Not many could have predicted perennial achievers Perth Scorchers would be in this position. Their season is just about on the line, sitting four points adrift of fourth placed Melbourne Stars. With a game in hand over the Stars, the Scorchers receive a timely boost with the Marsh brothers and Jason Behrendhorff returning, and have to fire right away in a crunch game. Can the Scorchers bounce back after an unbelievable last-gasp loss to the Hurricanes last Friday?
Sydney Thunder are also in a tight predicament. Following a very unlucky no result last week at the Gabba, the Thunder put in a disappointing display two nights ago against the Renegades, leaving them one point outside the top four. A win here puts them back into the playoffs places, lifting the pressure on the likes of the Stars and Strikers, but they will have to perform well in Perth, a place where they haven’t been particularly great in the past.
Key to a Perth Scorchers win
Much has been made of the Scorchers’ lack of batting prowess in BBL08. The return of the Marsh brothers, particularly in-form Shaun, is a big boost to the Scorchers. Cameron Bancroft, despite a last-start duck, has been in fine form, and he and Michael Klinger will be key in delivering a strong start for the Scorchers. The home side need the complete opposite start to their last, falling to 7/3 against the Hurricanes, before the middle order, led by Sam Whiteman (who’s out injured), staged a recovery. Here, a platform needs to be set for Ashton Turner, the Marsh brothers and Hilton Cartwright to get the Scorchers to a strong total.
Also, can the Scorchers get Shane Watson out early? The Renegades were able to two nights ago, which turned out to be a huge wicket, despite the efforts of Callum Ferguson and Jason Sangha. Jason Behrendhorff has been strong in the powerplay overs this season, meaning his battle with Watson could be crucial to the result. With this Scorchers attack very good on its day, powerplay wickets might be too much for the Thunder to come back from. Can the likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile and Andrew Tye build pressure on the Sydney Thunder at all stages of the innings? Can Tye in particular bounce back at the death, after a fatal three balls against the Hurricanes? All to play for.
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Key to a Sydney Thunder win
The Thunder had their moments with bat and ball two nights ago against the Renegades, but ultimately couldn’t sustain it for long enough. They restricted the Renegades to 51/3 after nine overs, and if they can repeat the good start against the Scorchers, they can back themselves to learn from their errors. Gurinder Sandhu was excellent, and will be key tonight on a pitch that might offer extra bounce, along with Daniel Sams and Chris Jordan. With the Scorchers’ batting up and down in BBL08, a great opportunity awaits the Thunder to pounce.
Also, can Shane Watson occupy the crease for a considerable period of time in this one? It is no coincidence that with Watson firing in the two games previous to the Renegades (68 and 100), the Thunder won one and were well on track to win the other. He has the experience and form to set up the innings, allowing the likes of Anton Devcich, Callum Ferguson and Jason Sangha to build on his good work. With Daniel Sams and Chris Green adept finishers, the onus is on the Thunder top order to get the better of a good Scorchers’ attack on paper.
Possible Playing 11
Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh and Jason Behrendhorff are all back in the Scorchers’ 13-man squad. Aaron Hardie, Sam Whiteman, David Willey and Will Bosisto are out.
Perth Scorchers Possible Playing 11: 1. Cameron Bancroft (wk), 2. Michael Klinger, 3. Shaun Marsh, 4. Ashton Turner, 5. Mitchell Marsh (c), 6. Hilton Cartwright, 7. Matt Kelly/Nick Hobson, 8. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9. Usman Qadir, 10. AJ Tye, 11. Jason Behrendhorff
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Jay Lenton is out for Sydney Thunder (one of a few changes), with Matthew Gilkes and Baxter Holt named in the squad. Gilkes will likely play and keep.
Sydney Thunder Possible Playing 11: 1. Shane Watson (c), 2. Anton Devcich, 3. Callum Ferguson, 4. Jason Sangha, 5. Matthew Gilkes (wk), 6. Daniel Sams, 7. Chris Green, 8. Chris Jordan, 9. Nathan McAndrew/Sam Rainbird, 10. Gurinder Sandhu, 11. Fawad Ahmed
Dream11 Prediction
Stats and Facts
- Perth Scorchers have won five of the last eight games vs Sydney Thunder.
- Sydney Thunder beat Perth Scorchers by one run earlier this year.
- Andrew Tye has taken eight wickets in his last three BBL games.
Match Prediction
Perth Scorchers have put together much improved performances in recent games.
At home, they still look a strong side, and will welcome back the in-form Shaun Marsh. Scorchers to win.
Thanks for reading!
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Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Thunder Preview Dream11
