BBL 7, Match 4: Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder – Result Predictions

Sydney Thunder who prevailed in the first derby clash of the 7th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) against the Sydney Sixers in an exciting last ball finish are all set for their first away clash against formidable outfit Adelaide Strikers on December 22nd.

The Strikers enjoy the presence of a swashbuckling hard hitter in the form of Travis Head who can smash the ball big and chase down any target effortlessly as he has done many times in the past. Head, the captain of the Strikers will be eager to lead the site to glory and win their first ever BBL title after finishing a disappointing 6th last season.

Shane Watson has led from the front as the captain of the Sydney Thunder as evident from his masterclass against the Sixers which won the game for his side. Watson rolled back the years smashing six hits to the fence and another six into the stands effortlessly leading from the front as expected from his as the captain.

Here’s what we, at CricTracker predict will be the final result:

Scenario 1: Adelaide Strikers win the toss

Toss Prediction: Strikers decide to bowl first

First Innings Prediction: 160-170

Result Prediction: Strikers win by 5 wickets

Scenario 2: Sydney Thunder win the toss

Toss Prediction: Thunder opt to bowl first

First Innings Prediction: 170-180

Result Prediction: Sydney Thunder win by 4 wickets

Head to Head Record

Total matches played – 7, Adelaide Strikers Sixers – 3, Sydney Thunder won – 3, No Result/ Tied – 1.

The Adelaide Strikers will be eager to gain some much-needed momentum early on in the season by gaining a vital victory against the Sydney Thunder who are riding high having registered a comprehensive all-round performance against their bitter rivals at home.

Adelaide Strikers

The Adelaide Strikers have been extremely shrewd in the transfer window with the addition of a consistent and aggressive batsman in the form of Colin Ingram, Afghanistan based talented leg-spinner Rashid Khan and Aussie experienced pace bowler Peter Siddle.

With the likes of 23-year-old Jake Weatherland who has registered 117 runs in 7 matches at an average of 16.71 and striker rate of 130, Ingram and Head, the Strikers are guaranteed runs on the board. Experienced all-rounders like Michael Neser and Jake Lehmann who can bowl some tidy overs and adapt to any scenario with the willow certainly makes the job of a captain easier.

With top-quality pace bowlers in the form of Peter Siddle, Ben Laughlin, Billy Stanlake who can outsmart the batsmen with their pace, variations and bounce, a talented leg-spinner in the form of Rashid Khan who has proven himself in the shorter format of the game, the Adelaide Strikers boast of a fine all-round unit.

Adelaide Strikers  Squad: Peter Siddle, Ben Laughlin, Colin Ingram, Michael Neser, Jonathan Wells, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Billy Stanlake, Nick Winter, Jonathon Dean, Jake Lehmann, Rashid Khan, Liam O’Connor, Jake Weatherald, David Grant, Wes Agar, Michael Cormack, Daniel Drew

Sydney Thunder

The opening partnership of Jos Butler and Watson is formidable enough for even a top quality bowling attack like the Adelaide Strikers. Captain Watson is in great form after a match-winning knock against the Sixers and will be gunning for more of the same. Butler will be eager to make amends after registering a duck.

With experienced players like Callum Ferguson in the middle order and economical, effective bowlers like Arjun Nair and Mitchell McClenaghan who is in great form after picking his first ever BBL wicket off the second delivery of his spell, The Thunder can certainly match up to the Strikers on the field.

Sydney Thunder Squad: Shane Watson (C), Fawad Ahmed, Aiden Blizzard, Jos Buttler, Andrew Fekete, Callum Ferguson, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Mitch McClenaghan, Arjun Nair, Kurtis Patterson, Ben Rohrer

We believe that the Sydney Thunder can continue their winning streak against the Adelaide Strikers and register another victory on the trot.

Do let us know of your predictions in the comments section below.