BBL 2018-19, Match 28, Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers, Match Prediction: Who will win the match?

Despite getting off to a shaky start in their title defence, Adelaide Strikers have again found some form and they now are second on the table halfway through the tournament. They still have a long distance to travel and to a great extent, they have missed their main man Travis Head, who was back with them after the Test series against India. His presence has made them a lot stronger and the likes of Colin Ingram are getting into the crux of things after a slow start.

Things are falling nicely into place for them and they will definitely fancy their chances to win the trophy again. Sydney Thunder, on the other hand, are not very far away in terms of points but are sixth on the table with six points. The tournament still seems pretty open with all teams within touching distance, but the Thunder, led by Shane Watson, will have to stitch together some good results beginning with this home game against the Strikers.

Pitch and Weather

The Showground Stadium often provides a good batting deck but the rainy and cloudy weather conditions are a concern in Sydney. Some clouds are expected to hover around the stadium during the game time, but mostly no interruptions are expected.

Team combinations

Adelaide Strikers

Jake Weatherald and Matthew Short will open the innings for the Strikers, with the assured presence of Travis Head and Colin Ingram at number 3 and 4. Jonathan Wells, Harry Nielsen and Rashid Khan will follow in the lower order. Ben Laughlin has been in terrific form and will be leading the bowling attack with Rashid. Billy Stanlake who returns to the team after being released by the national team following the 1st ODI, Michael Nesser and Liam O’Connor are the other bowling options for Head.

Probable XI: Matthew Short, Jake Weatherald, Travis Head (C), Colin Ingram, Jonathan Wells,  Harry Nielsen (wk), Michael Neser, Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin, Liam O’Connor, Billy Stanlake

Sydney Thunder

Shane Watson and Anton Devcich will kick-start the innings for Thunder with the experienced duo of Callum Ferguson and Jason Sangha coming in at number 3 and 4. Daniel Sams and Chris Green are the other batters in the middle order. Apart from Gurinder Sandhu, this is a relatively inexperienced bowling attack with Sam Rainbird, Jonathan Cook and Fawad Ahmed being the other options. They brought in Devcich for Buttler and replaced Root with pacer Chris Jordan to add strength to their bowling.

Probable XI: Shane Watson (C), Anton Devcich, Callum Ferguson, Jason Sangha, Chris Green, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Sam Rainbird, Chris Jordan, Fawad Ahmed, Jonathan Cook

Probable Top Performers

Travis Head – Adelaide Strikers | Shane Watson – Sydney Thunder |