Big Bash League 2021-22: Match 7, Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Match 7 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2021-22 will see Melbourne Stars battling it out with Sydney Thunder in the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday (December 10). The two sides have made contrasting starts to their respective campaigns and it would be interesting to see how the upcoming contest pans out.

The Stars couldn’t have made a worse start as they suffered a humiliating 152-run defeat against defending champions Sydney Sixers in the season opener. Hence, the Glenn Maxwell-led side has quite some work to do. On the other hand, Chris Green’s Sydney Thunder thrashed Brisbane Heat by seven wickets in their first assignment.

Match Details

Match – Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder– Match 7

Venue – Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Time – 01:45 PM IST, 08:15 AM GMT

Where to watch live – Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV

Pitch Report 

The track hasn’t been a high-scoring one in the past and hence, batters need to showcase application to get runs in this surface. With the dimensions of the ground being on the larger side, spinner would come in handy in the middle overs. The toss-winning captain must elect to bowl first as pacers might also get some assistance in the initial phase of the game.

Average score: 141 (7 T20Is at Melbourne Cricket Ground)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 7, Lost – 7, N/R – 1

Probable XIs

Melbourne Stars

Predicted XI: 

Joe Clarke, Peter Nevill (wk), Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (c), Hilton Cartwright, Andre Russell, Sam Rainbird, Samuel Elliott, Brody Couch, Adam Zampa, Syed Faridoun

Sydney Thunder

Predicted XI: 

Alex Hales, Sam Whiteman, Matthew Gilkes, Sam Billings (WK), Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Ben Cutting, Chris Green (C), Nathan McAndrew, Gurinder Sandhu, Tanveer Sangha

Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder Head-to-Head

Matches- 14, Melbourne Stars – 8, Sydney Thunder – 7, N/R- 0

Probable top performers

Alex Hales – Sydney Thunders

The England opener might have bagged a duck in the previous clash. However, taking him lightly won’t be wise for the Glenn Maxwell-led side. Hales can attack bowlers from the outset and his ability to play big knocks makes him an even greater asset. Not to forget, he’s one of the most successful batters in BBL history.

Adam Zampa – Melbourne Stars

The star leg-spinner was instrumental in taking Australia to the T20 World Cup title last month. Hence, there’s no reason why Zampa can’t replicate his heroics in BBL. The star bowler didn’t enjoy a great time the season opener, conceding 34 runs in four overs and going wicketless. However, he would be force to reckon with in Melbourne conditions.

Today’s match prediction: Sydney Thunders to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.