WBBL 2021: Match 3, ST-W vs AS-W Match Prediction – Who will win today’s WBBL match?

Preview

Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers are set to cross swords in Match No.3 of the 2021 WBBL on Saturday, October 16 at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. The Thunder have been dealt with a few jolts after Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont didn’t renew their contract with the team for this season.

Moreover, Rachael Haynes is likely to miss most of the tournament. The southpaw is recovering from hamstring injury and she also became a parent recently. Hannah Darlington will lead the team in her absence. The Thunder, however, have picked the Indian duo of Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma.

The likes of Sammy-Jo Johnson and Sam Bates are expected to lead their bowling attack. The Strikers, meanwhile, have named Tahlia McGrath as their captain after Suzie Bates pulled out of the tournament. The focus will also be on Megan Schutt, who has been Australia’s standout bowler.

Match Details

Match – Sydney Thunder Women vs Adelaide Strikers Women – Match 3

Venue – Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Time – 01:35 PM IST, 08:05 AM GMT

Where to watch live – Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV

Pitch Report

The pitch in Hobart is expected to be good for batting. The bowlers may not have a lot to cheer for. A close game seems to be in store for Saturday. Batting second should be the preferred option for teams. The temperature will be around the nine-degree Celsius mark.

Avg first innings score: 180 (1 match in the WBBL 2021 at Hobart)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 1, Lost – 0, Tied – 0

Probable Playing XIs

Sydney Thunder Women

Smriti Mandhana, Kate Peterson/Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Emily Smith (WK), Deepti Sharma, Corinne Hall, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Hannah Darlington (C), Isabelle Wong, Lauren Smith, Samantha Bates

Bench: Kate Peterson/Anika Learoyd, Olivia Porter, Jessica Davidson, Tahlia Wilson

Adelaide Strikers Women

Tahlia McGrath (C), Laura Wolvaardt, Katie Mack, Dane van Niekerk, Annie O’Neil, Bridget Patterson, Tegan McPharlin (WK), Amanda-Jade Wellington, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Sarah Coyte

Bench: Nell Bryson Smith, Jemma Barsby, Meagan Dixon, Madeline Penna

Head-to-Head

Overall

Played – 12 | Sydney Thunder Women – 6 | Adelaide Strikers Women – 5 | N/R – 0

In Hobart

Played – 3 | Sydney Thunder Women – 2 | Adelaide Strikers Women – 1 | N/R – 0

Probable best batter of the match

Laura Wolvaardt— Adelaide Strikers

Laura Wolvaardt was stupendous with the bat in hand for the Strikers in the previous edition of the WBBL. The South Africa batter notched 347 runs from 14 matches at an average of 26.69 and a strike rate of 104.83. She has been impressive for her national team and for other domestic sides as well. Wolvaardt is again expected to step up in the top order.

Probable best bowler of the match

Amanda-Jade Wellington– Adelaide Strikers

Amanda-Jade Wellington has been a genuine wicket-taker for whichever side she has represented in recent times. In the previous WBBL season, the leg-spinner picked up 17 wickets and was the second-highest wicket-taker for the Strikers in the tournament. Earlier this year, Wellington also did well for the Southern Brave in the inaugural Women’s Hundred.

Today’s match prediction: Adelaide Strikers 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.