BBL 2018-19, 1st Semi-final: Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

The ongoing edition of the Big Bash League is nearing its culmination. The first semi-final is all set to take place on Thursday with Matthew Wade and Glenn Maxwell playing against each other. Ending at the top of the points table, the Hobart Hurricanes have earned the right of playing the home semi-final while Melbourne Stars made it with a victory over Sydney Sixers in their last league match.

James Faulkner is back with the Hobart Hurricanes and this should strengthen their batting and bowling both. Nick Larkin also comes into the squad for the Stars and most probably will make it to the playing XI. Glenn Maxwell will be the key player for the visitors as he found the groove at the right time during the must-win game when the team was in dire straits.

Match Details:

The first semi-final of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2018-19 will be played between Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.

The match starts at 7:30 PM local time (8:30 AM GMT) (2:00 PM IST).

The game will be live on Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD in India. Live streaming is available on Sony Liv.

Pitch Condition/Report:

Short square boundaries at the Bellerive Oval will lead to the teams opting to bowl first after winning the toss.

Average first innings score: 167.4 (Five BBL 2018/19 matches)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 4, Lost – 1

Probable XI:

Hobart Hurricanes:

Matthew Wade (C & WK), D’Arcy Short, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, George Bailey, Simon Milenko, Qais Ahmed, James Faulkner, Jofra Archer, David Moody, Riley Meredith/Clive Rose.

Bench –Alex Doolan

In –James Faulkner

Out – Tom Rogers

Melbourne Stars:

Ben Dunk, Marcus Stoinis, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell (C), Nick Larkin, Nic Maddinson, Dwayne Bravo, Sandeep Lamichhane, Adam Zampa, Dan Worrall, Jackson Bird.

Bench – Evan Gulbis, Seb Gotch.

In –Nick Larkin

Out –Jackson Coleman

Team News:

James Faulkner back in the squad while Nick Larkin too returns as an injury replacement of Travis Dean.

Power Picks:

Glenn Maxwell in T20s at the Hobart – 5 inns, 228 runs, 1 century, 1 fifty, 76 avg, 170/14 S/R

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Marcus Stoinis and D’Arcy Short are must as captain and vice-captain.

Alternatives – Matthew Wade, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott

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

Keeper – Matthew Wade

Batters – Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dunk, Nick Larkin, Ben McDermott, Caleb Jewell

All-Rounders – Marcus Stoinis (C), D’Arcy Short (VC)

Bowlers – Sandeep Lamichhane, David Moody, Qais Ahmed.

Playing XI #2 for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Peter Handscomb

Batters – Glenn Maxwell (C), Nick Larkin, George Bailey, Ben McDermott, Caleb Jewell

All-Rounders – Marcus Stoinis (VC), D’Arcy Short

Bowlers – Adam Zampa, Riley Meredith, Qais Ahmed.

Expert Advice:

Have to pick Caleb Jewell, Nick Larkin and David Moody (8 credits each) for picking Stoinis, Short and Wade who collectively consume 31 credits.

Probable Winners:

It is tough to predict the winner of this knockout game as both the teams are very good. While the Hurricanes have played like champions this season, the Stars have momentum on their side.

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

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