Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11
A team that has performed admirably so far vs. the tournament favourites that have not shown the form expected of them.
Sydney Thunder won their first two games of BBL08, and even though they have lost two in a row, have shown some promising signs. Their disappointing finishes against Hobart Hurricanes and Adelaide Strikers respectively contributed significantly to the result, as they were right in both games. Can they hold their nerve against a side that is yet to get going?
It is incredible to think how poor Perth Scorchers have been. Their batting has been a mess, culminating in a very poor total against Hobart Hurricanes which was never near enough. They will encounter a slow pitch at Spotless Stadium, which will be a big challenge given the Thunder’s know-how of the conditions. Will the Scorchers get runs on the board and kickstart their BBL08 campaign?
Key to a Sydney Thunder win
As mentioned, Sydney Thunder’s finishes to games have been disappointing. However, can they cause further pain to a struggling Scorchers’ lineup so that there is no close finish? The likes of Daniel Sams, Sam Rainbird and Chris Green will be key in delivering powerplay wickets for the home side that pushes the Scorchers right back, just as the Hurricanes did. The Scorchers side is lacking form and confidence, and there is no better opportunity for the Thunder to pounce.
Also, how well will the Thunder batting lineup fare in comparison to the Scorchers? The Scorchers’ bowling lineup is their strength, but the Thunder possess Jos Buttler who will be keen for a big innings after a rare low score, along with Shane Watson and Joe Root who have still only threatened to go big. With Callum Ferguson hitting form and Daniel Sams still a dangerous hitter, the Thunder need a strong start in the powerplay to set a strong platform against a side struggling for consistency.
Key to a Perth Scorchers win
Being reduced to 19/4 within five overs won’t win you too many T20 games, and the Scorchers weren’t even close to winning against the Hurricanes. The big concern for the pre-tournament favourites is that this is a regular occurrence in BBL08. Their 107/8 against the Hurricanes joins their 92/3 in a win vs Adelaide Strikers, 147/8 in a loss vs Sydney Sixers and 107 in their tournament opener vs Melbourne Renegades. The onus is on the top order to step up, and the time is now so they don’t fall too far behind the pack.
Also, the battle between the Scorchers’ bowlers and Thunder batsmen in the powerplay could play a key role in the result. The Scorchers were unable to pick up an early wicket against the Hurricanes, and need to in Sydney to counter the Thunder’s dangerous top order. Jason Behrendhorff remains a key man, along with a Scorchers’ pace attack that has had their moments so far in BBL08. Also, Ashton Agar with his spin will be a key factor on what is expected to be a slow Spotless Stadium track.
Predicted Playing XIs
Sydney Thunder have named an unchanged 13-man squad. Gurinder Sandhu could possibly come in for Arjun Nair.
Sydney Thunder XI: 1. Jos Buttler (wk), 2. Shane Watson (c), 3. Callum Ferguson, 4. Joe Root, 5. Jason Sangha, 6. Daniel Sams, 7. Arjun Nair/Gurinder Sandhu, 8. Chris Green, 9. Sam Rainbird, 10. Jono Cook, 11. Fawad Ahmed
Perth Scorchers have also named an unchanged squad. Usman Qadir could possibly get a look-in given the conditions favour spin bowlers.
Perth Scorchers XI: 1. Will Bosisto, 2. Michael Klinger, 3. Hilton Cartwright, 4. Ashton Turner (c), 5. Cameron Bancroft (wk), 6. Ashton Agar, 7. David Willey, 8. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9. Jhye Richardson/Usman Qadir, 10. AJ Tye, 11. Jason Behrendhorff
Dream11 Prediction
Good batting lineup comes up against a good bowling lineup. Who will step up?
- Jos Buttler has looked in supreme form in BBL08. He is my captain. Cameron Bancroft has scored 75 and 72* in his last two matches against Thunder, but what form is he in now?
- Hilton Cartwright looked in decent form against Hobart Hurricanes.
- Home conditions can bring out good performances from Joe Root and Shane Watson.
- Ashton Agar is my VC due to his all-round capabilities. Expect him to get some batting time. Daniel Sams continues to be a good option.
- Jason Behrendhorff and AJ Tye are capable of wickets at all stages of the innings. Fawad Ahmed and Chris Green enjoy playing at Spotless Stadium.
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Stats and Facts
- Head-to-Head: Sydney Thunder 2, Perth Scorchers 5
- Sydney Thunder have hit 25 sixes in BBL08. Perth Scorchers have hit four.
- Jos Buttler leads the BBL08 run scoring chart with 195. This is 100 more than any Scorchers player.
Prediction
Sydney Thunder won a thriller vs Perth Scorchers at Spotless Stadium last season.
They look the more confident side at the moment, despite conceding relatively large totals against the Hurricanes and Strikers. I will back the Thunder to win this game at home against a Perth Scorchers side that is looking anything but BBL08 Title favourites.
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Thanks for reading!
Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11
