In the 7th match of the Big Bash League 2021, the Melbourne Stars will face the Sydney Thunder. This thrilling match will be held at Melbourne’s iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Melbourne Stars have played only one game against the defending champion Sydney Sixers and had a bad day. The Stars bowlers were unable to make an impact as the Sixers amassed a massive 213 runs, losing four wickets in the process. Only two batters reached double figures in the game, which they lost by 152 runs.
In the meantime, the Sydney Thunder won their first game of the Big Bash League 2021 against the Brisbane Heat. Chris Green, the captain, won the toss and chose to bowl first. In the first half, the bowlers were outstanding, limiting the Heat to 140 runs.
Both teams have had different starts to the season. The Stars will have to be at their best to take on the Thunder on Friday.
Weather
The weather in Melbourne is forecast to be cloudy to overcast, with rain showers likely. Temperatures are forecast to be between 16~17°C.
Pitch
The MCG hasn’t been a very high-scoring venue. On this surface, batters will have to work hard to score runs. Spinners will come into the middle overs because the ground dimensions are on the larger side. Teams that win the toss will choose to bowl first.
Probable Playing XIs
Melbourne Stars:
Glenn Maxwell (c), Peter Nevill (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Andre Russell, Adam Zampa, Joe Clarke, Nick Larkin, Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, Sam Rainbird, Sam Elliott,
Sydney Thunder:
Chris Green (c), Sam Billings (wk), Alex Ross, Gurinder Sandhu, Nathan McAndrew, Alex Hales, Ben Cutting, Sam Whiteman, Matthew Gilkes, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder – Match 7, Dream 11:
Glenn Maxwell (c), Joe Clarke (wk), Sam Billings (wk), Alex Ross, Alex Hales, Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin, Andre Russell, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha, Samuel Elliott
Prediction
Match winner
- Sydney Thunder
Winning the toss
- Sydney Thunder
Top Batsman
- Melbourne Stars – Marcus Stoinis
- Sydney Thunder – Alex Ross
Top Bowler
- Melbourne Stars – Adam Zampa
- Sydney Thunder – Tanveer Sangha
Most Sixes
- Melbourne Stars – Glenn Maxwell
- Sydney Thunder – Alex Ross
Player of the Match
- Sydney Thunder – Alex Ross
Team Scores Batting First
- Melbourne Stars – 160+
- Sydney Thunder – 170+
We do not doubt that the Melbourne Stars will perform better than they did against the Sydney Sixers in the season opener last Saturday. But competing against Sydney Thunder is a difficult task, and we predict the Thunder will win this match.