MELBOURNE S VS. SYDNEY S: AUSTRALIAN T20 LEAGUE, MATCH 56 | MATCH PREDICTION AND FANTASY CRICKET TIPS
In match 56 of the Australian T20 League 2020/21, Melbourne Stake on Sydney S at the MCG in Melbourne on Tuesday evening.
Melbourne S have little hope of qualify for the finals after suffering their second consecutive loss in the last game. A win in this final game of the round-robin might not be enough as they want other results to fall their way.
The powerful Perth S’ batting line-up proved to be too good as they scored 182 in their 20 overs. The Stars used seven bowlers to disrupt the opponents' batsmen but they were unable to do so. In response, N Larkin led the fight for the Stars with a superb 70 off just 44 balls. But with little support from the other end, they ultimately fell short by 11 runs.
Sydney S lost for the second game in a row as they were replaced at the top of the points table. A top-two spot is guaranteed for them but would like to win here and carry the momentum into the finals.
The Sixers’ bowling unit have now conceded 420 runs in their last two matches after the Hurricanes scored 188 in their innings. It was a good fight back with the bat as M Henrique and J Silk put together a good partnership. But despite their best efforts, the Hurricanes held on to their nerves and registered a 7-run win.
With the group stage coming to an end with this match, this promises to be an exciting encounter at the MCG.
Match Details
- Match: Melbourne S vs. Sydney S, Match 56
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
- Date & Time: Jan. 26, 2021, at 2 PM IST
Probable Playing XI
Melbourne S
- M Stoinis, A Fletcher, N Larkin, G Maxwell (C), N Maddinson, H Cartwright, S Gotch (WK), A Zampa, B Stanlake, Z Khan, N Coulter-Nile
- X-factor substitutes: J Seymour, L Hatcher
Sydney S
- J Philippe (WK), M Henriques (C), J Vince, D Hughes, J Silk, D Christian, C Brathwaite, B Manenti, S O’Keefe, S Abbott, J Ball
- X-factor substitutes: L Pope, J Avendano
Weather and Pitch Report
The weather in Melbourne is expected to be cloudy during the match. The temperature will be around 19 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
- M Stoinis is the highest run-scorer for the Stars this season, with 384 runs in 11 matches at an average of 34.9 and a strike rate of 142.75. He is Stars main player at the top of the order and will look to take his team into the finals with a big performance here.
- N Larkin has been in red hot form with the bat for the Stars. His last three innings read 70, 61*, and 43. He is fast climbing up the run-scoring chart and will look to score his three consecutive half-century in the tournament.
- A Zampa has been Stars’ most successful bowler this season, with 19 wickets with an average of 15.68 and an economy rate of 7.23. He has picked up just 2 wickets in the three games since his five-wicket haul at this very same venue.
- J Philippe is the top scorer for the Sixers this season, with 453 runs at an average of 34.84 and a strike rate of 150. He has been a little quiet in the last two games, scoring 12 and 20. He will look to get into the finals with a big innings here.
- M Henriques looked in good form in the two matches played by him in the tournament. He scored 56 in the first game and 43 in the second game. He will look to put a big performance hereafter the losses in the last two games.
- B Dwarshuis is the highest wicket-taker for the Sixers this season, with 16 wickets at an average of 18.68. He picked up 5 wickets in the last two games coming back from an injury. He will look to pick more wickets in this match.
Howzat Dream Team
- Wicketkeeper: J Philippe
- Batsmen: N Larkin, N Maddinson, J Slik, M Henriques
- All-rounders: M Stoinis, D Christian
- Bowlers: Z Khan, N Coulter-Nile, B Dwarshuis, S Abbott
- Captain: N Larkin/M Stoinis
- Vice Captain: J Philippe/S Abbott
NOTE: The Howzat dream team above is just a suggestion. You can select your own fantasy 11, and play fantasy cricket matches. 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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