BBL 2018-19, Match 56: Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

The final league game in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2018-19 will be played between the Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers. This encounter holds great importance to both these side. If the Melbourne Stars win, they will make it into the knockouts. But, if the Sixers win, they will seal a home semi-final which should be a huge advantage.

The Stars’ campaign has taken a hiatus after losses in both the previous two games. Had they won at least one of these games, they might not have placed themselves in this do-or-die situation. The Sixers, on the hand, registered four consecutive wins and they’ll hope to make it five ahead of the semis.

Match Details:

The 56th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2018-19 will be played between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium.

The match starts at 2:45 PM local time (3:45 AM GMT) (9:15 AM IST).

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

Pitch Condition/Report:

The track at MCG is a slow surface. The ball doesn’t come on to the bat well and patience is the key for a batsman. It is highly preferable to chase as the batsmen will have a target in mind and then they can mould their approach accordingly.

Average first innings score: 150.8 (Completed Twenty20s since 2018)

Chasing teams’ record: Won – 8, Lost – 2 (Completed Twenty20s since 2018)

Probable XI:

Melbourne Stars:

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

Bench – Evan Gulbis, Jackson Coleman.

No changes made to the squad.

Sydney Sixers:

Josh Philippe, Dan Hughes, James Vince, Moises Henriques (C), Jordan Silk, Tom Curran, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Steve O’Keefe, Nathan Lyon, Lloyd Pope/Jack Edwards.

Bench – Mickey Edwards.

Squad Changes:

In – Nathan Lyon.

Out – Ben Manenti.

Team News:

Nathan Lyon added to the Sydney Sixers squad for the first time this season. Sandeep Lamichhane returned to BBL after the completion of Nepal’s tour of UAE.

Power Picks:

Ben Dunk scored 275 runs from 13 innings in 2018/19 BBL including two fifties. He is the second highest run-getter for Stars after Marcus Stoinis.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Marcus Stoinis is must as captain or vice-captain

Captain Options – Josh Phillipe, James Vince, Glenn Maxwell

Vice-Captain Options – Tom Curran, Peter Handscomb, Dwayne Bravo

Alternatives – Peter Handscomb, Ben Dunk, Sean Abbott

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

Keeper – Josh Philippe (VC)

Batters – James Vince, Daniel Hughes, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dunk

All-Rounders – Tom Curran, Marcus Stoinis (C)

Bowlers – Steve O’Keefe, Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Sandeep Lamichhane.

Playing XI #2 for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Peter Handscomb

Batters – James Vince (VC), Daniel Hughes, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dunk

All-Rounders – Moises Henriques, Marcus Stoinis (C)

Bowlers – Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshius, Jackson Bird, Sandeep Lamichhane.

Expert Advice:

One of Josh Phillipe and Peter Handscomb has to be picked from keepers’ category. Consider the following statistics before making a decision:

Phillipe – 123 runs from last five innings as an opener.

Handscomb – 53 runs from last five innings. Not opening the innings.

Probable Winners:

The Sydney Sixers are expected to win the match.

*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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