Last Updated on 4 years by Charbel Coorey
WBBL 2020 Match 3: ST-W vs SS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | WBBL06 Match 3: ST-W vs SS-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers Key Players | Hurstville Oval Sydney Pitch Report
Sydney Sixers is arguably the most successful side in WBBL history. They have finished in the top four times in five seasons, winning the title twice and being the runners-up twice. Players like Elyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, Ashleigh Gardner, Marizanne Kapp, Dane van Niekerk, etc. are the reason for their consistent performance. These are the top performers in women’s cricket and with them in the squad, the Sixers are expected to be one of the top teams in this season too.
However, they finished 5th last season which is their worst performance so far in the tournament. So, eyes will be on their key players, as well as their star all-rounder Elyse Perry who is returning from a hamstring injury.
The inaugural WBBL champions, Sydney Thunder, went through a transition period last season and are looking good this time. They won the first season and have reached the semi-finals twice and have finished at the 6th position twice. They have roped in some very good players in the side this time. Sammy Jo-Johnson, Heather Knight, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Smith are proven performers in WBBL and Women’s international cricket.
They have strengthened their batting which caused their downfall last season and also has some very promising young talent in the squad. They have a very strong squad this season and can give some very tough time to the opponents in WBBL 06.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
- Elyse Perry (364 runs), has the most runs and at the highest average of 36.40 in the Sydney derby. Plus, she scored 469 runs last season at an average of 93.80 in nine games.
- Alyssa Healy is the second-highest run-scorer in Sixers vs Thunder matches with 292 runs. She strikes at 128.07 and averages 26.55 against the Thunder.
- Ashleigh Gardner has 283 runs at an average of 31.44 striking at 134.12 against Sydney Thunder.
- Rachel Haynes has 171 runs against the Sixers. She is in red hot form. She scored 222 runs in three games against the White Ferns two weeks ago.
- 17-year old Phoebe Litchfield is primed for a big season. The great talent was having an excellent 2020 for NSW before the pandemic halted cricket (scores of 44, 82*, 1, 44, 43*).
- Heather Knight has had a superb year in T20 cricket to date: 13 inns, 486 runs, avg. 40.50, SR 135.75.
- Sammy Jo-Johnson has 90 runs striking at 160.71 against Sixers and she has picked eight wickets against them.
- Marizanne Kapp will be very important for the Sixers. She has 98 runs and has picked 13 wickets against the Thunder.
- Sarah Aley (13 wickets) has the most wickets in the Sydney Derby.
- Hannah Darlington was the Thunder’s leading wicket-taker in 2019 with 16 at 21.31.
Stats and Facts
- Head-to-Head: 11 Matches, 6 Sixers, 5 Thunder.
- Thunder have never won against the Sixers when they have batted first. All their five wins against them have come when chasing.
- The Sixers have won only once while chasing against the Thunder.
- Sixers have won all three games at the North Sydney Oval.
- The Sixers won both the games against the Sydney Thunders last season.
Possible Playing 11
Earlier in 2020, Ellyse Perry said she was willing to miss the start of the new international season to ensure her hamstring is as strong as possible. She is now determined to play as an all-rounder in WBBL, but it remains to be seen if she bowls right away.
Sydney Sixers: 1. Alyssa Healy (wk), 2. Erin Burns, 3. Ashleigh Gardener, 4. Ellyse Perry (c), 5. Dane van Niekerk, 6. Marizanne Kapp, 7. Lisa Griffith, 8. Lauren Cheatle, 9. Jodie Hicks, 10. Stella Campbell, 11. Sarah Aley
Sydney Thunder: 1. Rachael Haynes (c), 2. Tammy Beaumont (wk), 3. Heather Knight, 4. Phoebe Litchfield, 5. Anika Learoyd, 6. Tahlia Wilson, 7. Hannah Darlington, 8. Sammy-Jo Johnson, 9. Lauren Smith, 10. Samantha Bates, 11. Shabnim Ismail
North Sydney Oval Pitch and Weather Report
This will be the second match on this ground on Sunday, after Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat do battle.
The average first innings score at this ground in WBBL 2019 was 143, with the chasing team winning three out of four times. Following the tournament, Australia played Sri Lanka in T20Is on this ground, with some high scores made (217 and 226 by Australia).
The weather forecast, however, looks a little iffy with rain around.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
Option 2:
Match Prediction
A good game in prospect, if the weather allows for it. Sydney Sixers start as favourites, but the Thunder, thanks to their new recruits, can pose a serious challenge.
Written by Robin Rounder – follow Robin on Twitter today.
