STA vs THU, 56th Match Preview

The final group stage game, Match 56, of the 2022-23 Big Bash League, sees Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday evening. The Stars have six points and will finish bottom of the table. Thunder are currently in the final play-off spot but they may have fallen out by the time this game gets underway. The Stars were eliminated a couple of games ago but, to their credit, continued to fight against Brisbane Heat on Sunday. Sydney Thunder are certainly beatable and the Stars should fancy their chances against them. Sydney Thunder were dismissed for 62, their second worst score of the tournament, in their last game. This means their net run rate is very poor and they may need to go for a big win in this match to get through to the playoffs.

STA vs THU, 56th Match Details

Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder – 56th Match

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground – Melbourne

Date & Time: 25th January 2023 at 01:45 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Star Sports Network

STA vs THU, 56th Match Pitch Report

The average T20 first innings score has remained around 170 over the last few seasons at the MCG. Pace bowlers have had most success across this season at the venue. There is no risk of rain, but there will be increasing humidity as this game progresses in Melbourne.

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update

Also Read: IND vs NZ: Kohli makes history ahead of game

STA vs THU, 56th Match Probable Playing XIs:

Sydney Thunder Probable Playing XIs

Matthew Gilkes (wk), David Warner, Blake Nikitaras, Oliver Davies, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Ben Cutting, Joel Davies, Nathan McAndrew Chris Green (c), Gurinder Sandhu

Melbourne Stars Probable Playing XIs

Joe Clarke (wk), Thomas Rogers, Campbell Kellaway, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, Nick Larkin, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Luke Wood, Liam Hatcher, Adam Zampa (c)

Topmost Picks for STA vs THU Dream11 Prediction, 56th Match:

Top Picks – Sydney Thunder

• Oliver Davies – After a really strong campaign which has brought 325 runs, the 22 year old has made only two runs from the last two innings. His top score in the competition is 65.

• David Warner – Although he has not made a score of over 26 since coming back from international duty, he remains the batter which other teams fear and the one they most want to dismiss.

Top Picks – Melbourne Stars

• Joe Clarke – The 26 year old has been very consistent for the Stars and is one of three players to have hit a century in BBL 2022-23. Three of his last four scores have been over 30.

• Marcus Stoinis – The Australia international marked his return to the side with 36 not out from 23 balls. A fully fit Stoinis for the whole campaign could have made a big difference to the team.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for STA vs THU Dream11 Team:

Joe Clarke, Matthew Gilkes, Thomas Rogers, Hilton Cartwright, David Warner, Oliver Davies, Marcus Stoinis, Beau Webster(C), Daniel Sams(VC), Gurinder Sandhu, Luke Wood

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for STA vs THU Dream11 Team:

Joe Clarke(C), Matthew Gilkes, Thomas Rogers, Hilton Cartwright, David Warner, Oliver Davies, Marcus Stoinis(VC), Beau Webster, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Nathan Coulter-Nile

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Beau Webster, Joe Clarke

Vice-captain – Daniel Sams, Marcus Stoinis

Wicketkeeper – Joe Clarke

STA vs THU 56th Match Probable winners:

Sydney Thunder were the early pace-setters in the tournament but their team is now without Chris Lynn and Rashid Khan. A win for either team will see them finish in the top five and progress to the play-off stage and even a defeat for Melbourne Stars may still see them qualify as well. However, both teams come into this game in poor form and they require their experienced players to step up and produce a big performance. Melbourne Stars have some top players like Martin Guptill, Shaun Marsh and Aaron Finch who have seen it all before but have not been in brilliant form over this campaign. Considering the team combination, Sydney Thunder is expected to win this match.