BBL 2017-18, Match 1: Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder - Result Predictions

The new season of the Big Bash League (BBL) starts with the Sydney Derby. Sixers will take on their city rivals Thunder in the first match of the seventh season of the BBL. Sydney Thunder is led by former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson. The Thunder won the trophy 2 seasons ago but had a disappointing outing last year as they finished at last. Sixers are led by Australian all-rounder Moises Henriques who is recovering from an injury. Henriques is expected to play as a batsman and will not bowl unless full fit

Here’s what CricTracker predicts for the game

Scenario 1: Sydney Sixers win the toss

Toss Prediction: Sydney Sixers choose to bat first

First Innings Prediction: 150-160

Result Prediction: Sixers win by 10-20 runs

Scenario 2: Sydney Thunder win the toss

Toss Prediction: Sydney Thunder choose to bat first

First Innings Prediction: 140-150

Result Prediction: Sydney Thunder win by 6 wickets

Head to Head Record

Total matches played – 11, Sydney Sixers won – 8, Sydney Thunder won – 3, No Result/ Tied – 0.

Sixers were the finalists last season and would be hoping to go one step further this time while the Thunder would like to forget what happened in the previous edition where they finished last and make a new beginning. The Thunder would be hoping to perform like they did a couple of seasons ago when they won the title.

Sydney Sixers

Sixers were the finalists last season so they have decided to stick with the core of the squad. They would be banking on the firepower of English openers Sam Billings and Jason Roy to provide them with a fast start. In the middle order, they have the experience of Moises Henriques.

Their bowling line up with a good mix of pace bowlers who can take wickets and they also have spinners who can choke the run scoring. No opening batsman would like to face Sean Abbott, Doug Bollinger at the start of the innings. While spinners like Johan Botha and Stephen O’Keefe can keep the run rate down in the middle overs.

Sydney Sixers Squad: Moises Henriques (C), Sean Abbott, Sam Billings, Doug Bollinger, Johan Botha, Harry Conway, Daniel Hughes, Nic Maddinson, Peter Nevill, Stephen O’Keefe, Jason Roy, Daniel Sams, Jordan Silk

Sydney Thunder

Aiden Blizzard is capable of providing the team a swift start in the powerplay overs. And the experience of Shane Watson and Callum Ferguson can provide vital to the team. Jos Butler’s abilities to use the long handle can make a huge difference and he would be itching to go big.

The Thunder would surely miss the services of Pat Cummins who is busy on national duty. That leaves them with Mitch McClenaghan as their only match winner in the bowling attack.

Sydney Thunder Squad: Shane Watson (c), Fawad Ahmed, Aiden Blizzard, Jos Buttler, Andrew Fekete, Callum Ferguson, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Mitch McClenaghan, Arjun Nair, Kurtis Patterson, Ben Rohrer

As per our prediction Sixers take the derby.

Let us know in the comments below how you think the game will pan out.