MELBOURNE R VS. HOBART H: AUSTRALIAN T20 LEAGUE, MATCH 55 | MATCH PREDICTION AND FANTASY CRICKET TIPS
In match 55 of the Australian T20 League 2020/21, Melbourne R take on Hobart H at the MCG on Tuesday afternoon.
Melbourne R failed to build on their win in the Melbourne Derby as they lost to Brisbane Heat by 26 runs in the last game. They will be looking to end a disappointing season on a high with a win in their final game here.
The Renegades struggled to contain the Heat’s top order conceding 173 runs in the process. Z Evans was the highest wicket-taker with figures of 3 for 34. Chasing a tough target, only S Harper could put up any significant score as they were bowled out for 147.
Hobart H secured a thrilling win over Sydney S to keep their qualification hopes alive coming into the last game. A win here could move them up to the fourth position in the points table and a place in the Eliminator.
M Wade and D Short put up a sensational opening partnership of 145 and despite a late collapse, Hobart finished on 188 runs in their 20 overs. The combined efforts of S Boland, N Ellis, and S Lamichhane with the ball was enough to help the Hurricanes to a vital victory of just seven runs.
With their chances for qualification gone, the Renegades will be looking to spoil the Hurricanes’ party. Expect this to be an exciting encounter at the MCG.
Match Details
- Match: Melbourne R vs. Hobart H, Match 55
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
- Date & Time: Jan. 26, 2021, at 10:20 AM IST
Probable Playing XI
Melbourne R
- A Finch (C), S Marsh, S Harper (WK), J Fraser-McGurk, M Harvey, B Webster, I Wasim, J Prestwidge, K Richardson, P Hatzoglou, J Evans
- X-factor substitutes: W Sutherland, J Lalor
Hobart H
- M Wade (C & WK), D Short, B McDermott, D Malan, P Handscomb, W Jacks, T David, N Ellis, S Boland, R Meredith, S Lamichhane
- X-factor substitutes: M Wright, N Winter
Weather and Pitch Report
The weather in Melbourne is expected to be cloudy during the match. The temperature will be around 20 degrees during the game.
The pitch at the MCG is a good venue for batsmen who are willing to spend time at the wicket and rotate the strike. Fast bowlers will get a good bounce and carry from the surface. Spinners will purchase from the surface as the match progresses. The average first innings score in the four games played here this season has been 174 runs.
Teams batting first have won three of the last four games. Expect the captain winning the toss likely to opt to bat first. A total of around 180 runs should be a competitive one.
Key Players
- S Harper is the top scorer for the Renegades this season, scoring 332 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 124.34. He has played good innings of 57, 39, and 63 in the last three matches. He will look to continue his good form here.
- S Marsh is the second-highest run-scorer for the Renegades this season. He has scored 300 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 129.31. He got a start in the last game scoring 28 runs. He will look to play a big innings in his final game for the season.
- P Hatzoglou is the joint-highest wicket-taker for the Renegades this season, with 15 wickets at an economy rate of 8.61 and the best figures of 3 for 43. He picked up two wickets in the last game and will look to add to his wicket tally at the same venue.
- M Wade scored a blistering 86 in the last game and laid the foundation for a big score in the last game. His ability to score quick runs consistently at the top will make him a big threat for the Renegades bowlers.
- D Short played a fantastic knock of 72 off 52 balls in the last game against the Sixers. He has scored 316 runs at a strike rate of 123.92 and has also picked up 7 wickets with his part-time leg-spin.
- N Ellis is the highest wicket-taker for the Hurricanes this season, picking up 20 wickets in 13 games at an average of 19.95. He has figures of 3 for 36 and 4 for 34 in his last two games. Expect him to take more wickets here.
Howzat Dream Team
- Wicketkeeper: S Harper, M Wade
- Batsmen: S Marsh, M Harvey, D Malan
- All-rounders: J Prestwidge, L Gregory
- Bowlers: P Hatzoglou, N Ellis, S Lamichhane, S Boland
- Captain: M Wade/D Short
- Vice Captain: N Ellis/S Lamichhane
NOTE: The Howzat dream team above is just a suggestion. You can select your own fantasy 11, and win cash prize. Also, don’t forget to make any necessary changes to your team once the actual playing 11 is announced by each team (30 minutes before the start of the match) as some players you have selected might not be part of the team suggested.
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