WBBL 2018-19, Match 42: Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Sydney Thunder will face Melbourne Stars on Saturday at the Sportspark where a win will put them on top of the table and also confirm their final four finish. After back to back close losses to the Perth Scorchers, the Thunder bounced back with a big win over Sydney Sixers. This neutralized the NRR as both the teams have the same NRR of 0.584 at the moment. However, the Sixers have eight wins from 11 matches while Thunder has seven from ten.

They could face a tough fight from the Stars who are coming here with back to back defeats against the Melbourne Renegades. This spoiled their position in the points table as they have been pushed to 6th as they won only four of their ten matches. Ahead of their crucial game against Thunder, the Stars have named a 15-player squad that marks for the return of their skipper Kristen Beams who missed the previous game.

Match Details:

The 42nd match of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) will be played between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars at the Blacktown International Sportspark in Sydney.

The match starts at 2:00 PM local time (3:00 AM GMT) (8:30 AM IST).

Streaming of this game will be available on cricket.com.au, Cricket Australia Live apps and WBBL Facebook Page.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The Sportspark Sydney will be hosting a WBBL game nearly after two years. It hosted four matches in the 2016/17 edition where the side batting second won three matches with 8+ wickets in hand while chasing target less than 120. In the other game, the hosts Thunder made 132 and won by only three runs.

Squads:

Sydney Thunder:

Alex Blackwell (C), Sam Bates, Nicola Carey, Hannah Darlington, Rene Farrell, Maisy Gibson, Lisa Griffith, Rachael Haynes, Saskia Horley, Harmanpreet Kaur, Rachel Priest, Naomi Stalenberg, Stafanie Taylor, Rachel Trenaman, Belinda Vakarewa.

Melbourne Stars:

Kristen Beams (C), Erin Osborne (VC), Makinley Blows, Elly Donald, Mignon du Preez, Georgia Elwiss, Nicole Faltum, Holly Ferling, Nicola Hancock, Alana King, Lizelle Lee, Katie Mack, Chloe Rafferty, Ange Reakes, Annabel Sutherland.

Injury and Availability Updates after the announcement of the squads:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Power Picks:

Harmanpreet Kaur started the season on high with quick-fire knocks. However, she struggled to keep going as the tournament progressed. Her 31-ball 19 against the Scorchers in the reverse fixture was a direct reason for Thunder’s 3-run loss while she failed to open her account from the nine balls in the previous match against the Sixers. Kaur will be hoping to score some runs before returning into the Indian team.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

The likes of Stafanie Taylor and Rachael Haynes from the Thunder and the Stars’ all-rounder Erin Osborne are among the preferred names for multipliers. Georgia Elwiss and Mignon du Preez will be ideal alternatives.

Playing XI #1 for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Rachel Priest

Batters – Harmanpreet Kaur, Mignon du Preez, Ange Reakes, Rachael Haynes (VC)

All-Rounders – Erin Osborne, Stafanie Taylor (C), Nicole Carey

Bowlers – Nicola Hancock, Alana King, Lisa Griffith

Playing XI #2 for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Lizelle Lee

Batters – Naomi Stalenberg, Mignon du Preez, Ange Reakes, Rachael Haynes

All-Rounders – Erin Osborne (C), Stafanie Taylor (VC), Annabel Sutherland

Bowlers – Nicola Hancock, Maisy Gibson, Lisa Griffith

Expert Advice:

Rachel Priest and Lizelle Lee are on the same lines in terms of the damage they can cause. However, Lizelle comes at 10.5 credits while Priest is only 9. This pushes us to consider picking Priest ahead of Lee as this move will help pick high priced players from other categories.

Probable Winners:

Sydney Thunder is expected to defeat the Melbourne Stars and climb back to the top of the table.

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