Last Updated on 4 years by Charbel Coorey
WBBL 2020 Match 9: ST-W vs AS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ST vs AS Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report
It will be Matchday 3 of the Women’s Big Bash League, as all the eight teams will take the field on Saturday. The Adelaide Strikers will take on the Sydney Thunder in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
The WBBL so far hasn’t really gathered momentum as five out of the eight matches so far have been abandoned due to rain. Adelaide Strikers are the only team who have played two completed matches, with one win and one loss.
After winning the first match against the Hobart Hurricanes in a convincing fashion, the Sydney Sixers got the better of the Strikers as they won by 9 wickets, after the target was reduced according to the Duckworth-Lewis Stern (DLS) method.
On the other hand, the Sydney Thunder side has just taken the field for a grand total of four overs in this tournament and have unfortunately shared points in both the matches. Having roped in Sammy Jo-Johnson and Tammy Beaumont from the defending champions Brisbane Heat, along with Heather Knight from the Sydney Sixers, the Thunder will be eager to display their skills and will hope that the rain will stay away tomorrow.
Adelaide Strikers were victorious in the matches between the two teams last season, but overall the record between the two sides is even with four wins for the Thunder and five for the Strikers.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Sydney Thunder
- Sammy Jo-Johnson picked 18 wickets in 16 matches last season for the Brisbane Heat and was a vital cog in the title win. Hannah Darlington was the Thunder’s leading wicket-taker in 2019 with 16 at 21.31.
- Heather Knight will be plying her trade for Sydney Thunder after four seasons with Hobart Hurricanes. Her role as an opener will be crucial for Thunder. Knight has been superb in T20Is this year: 13 inns, 486 runs, avg. 40.50, SR 135.75.
- Rachel Haynes: Haynes has been one of the finest batters in the history of the league and it will be expected to be no different this season. With over 1500 runs for the Thunder, she is the 10th highest run getter in WBBL.
- Phoebe Litchfield, the 17-year-old, scored 187 runs in 11 matches last season, including a half century against Brisbane Heat. She will be key as she is a great talent, and enjoyed good form for New South Wales earlier in 2020.
Adelaide Strikers
- Darice Brown- She has an economy rate of 3.2 so far in the tournament. She will be crucial against the Thunder top 4 of Rachel Haynes, Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight and Phoebe Litchfield.
- Laura Wolvardaat- The big hitting Protea batter scored a half century in the first game and will be a player to watch out for.
- Bridget Patterson- In the previous game against the Thunder, Patterson scored a 14-ball 28 and was the lone warrior.
Stats and Facts
- Head-to-Head- Adelaide Strikers 5 wins, Sydney Thunder 4 wins
- The last time these two teams met, the match ended in a tie but Strikers got the better of the Thunder in the super over.
Sydney Showground Pitch and Weather Report
Unfortunately quite a bit of rain is forecast for Saturday. After rain ruined WBBL action last week, another washout would be a major blow. But, there is hope of less rain in the afternoon. In terms of the pitch, the Sydney Showground track is usually on the slower side, with a score in the region of 130-140 often very competitive.
Possible Playing 11
Sydney Thunder: 1. Rachael Haynes (c), 2. Tammy Beaumont (wk), 3. Heather Knight, 4. Phoebe Litchfield, 5. Suzie Bates, 6. Tahlia Wilson, 7. Hannah Darlington, 8. Sammy-Jo Johnson, 9. Lauren Smith, 10. Samantha Bates, 11. Shabnim Ismail
Adelaide Strikers: 1. Tahlia McGrath, 2. Stafanie Taylor, 3. Laura Wolvaardt, 4. Bridget Patterson, 5. Katie Mack, 6. Amanda-Jade Wellington, 7. Madeline Penna, 8. Tegan McPharlin, 9. Sarah Coyte, 10. Megan Schutt (c), 11. Darcie Brown
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
Option 2:
Match Prediction
Adelaide Strikers have been fairly decent in the couple of matches so far, while the Sydney Thunder side are yet to play a complete game. The Adelaide Strikers will go in as the favourites ahead of this encounter.
Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.
