Big Bash League 2021-22: Match 1, Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Both sides experienced entirely different campaigns last season.

Published - 05 Dec 2021, 10:15 IST | Updated - 05 Dec 2021, 10:15 IST

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Cricket fans must gear up as the 2021-22 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) is set to get underway on Sunday (December 5). The opening clash of the competition would see defending champions Sydney Sixers going up against Melbourne Stars at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Both sides are studded with match-winners and would be raring to get a win in this fixture.

Meanwhile, both sides experienced entirely different campaigns last season. While the Sixers enjoyed a sensational campaign and went onto the lift the cup for the record third time, the Stars couldn’t make a significant mark. They endured a rough season as they managed to win just five out of the 14 league matches, finishing at the penultimate place on the points table.

Match Details:

Match – Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars, Match 1

Venue – Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

Time – 2:05 PM IST

Where to watch live – Sony Sports Network

Pitch Report

The track at Sydney Cricket Ground has been a brilliant for batters especially in the second innings. Pacers tend to get purchase from this surface early one. Hence, the toss-winning captain must elect to field first. Anything less than 160 won’t be easy to defend on this pitch.

Probable XIs

Sydney Sixers

Predicted XI: Josh Philippe (wk), Jack Edwards, James Vince, Daniel Hughes (c), Jordan Silk, Moises Henriques, Daniel Christian, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Ben Manenti, Steve O’Keefe

Melbourne Stars

Predicted XI: Marcus Stoinis, Joe Clarke, Hilton Cartwright, Glenn Maxwell (c), Beau Webster, Clint Hinchliffe, Adam Zampa, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Liam Hatcher, Billy Stanlake, Sam Rainbird

Probable top performers

Josh Philippe

Josh Philippe was one of the chief architects of Sydney Sixers’ triumph in the previous season. The dashing opener played several sensational knocks at the top and gave his side stellar starts regularly. Overall, he slammed 508 runs in 16 games, third-highest for any batter in the season. With the game taking place in Sydney, Philippe won’t mind playing a match-winning knock.

Adam Zampa

Zampa was instrumental in taking Australia to the T20 World Cup triumph last month. The leg-spinner chocked the run flow with his accurate bowling and his knack of taking regular wickets helped the Aussie side big time. With the dimensions at the SCG being on the larger side, Zampa would like to extend his wicket-taking spree.