BBL 2019-20: Final, Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Melbourne Stars dominated the first half of the BBL 2019-20 that included an eight-match winning streak. But they slumped after losing four games on the trot. It included their 43-run loss at the hands of Sydney Sixers in the Qualifier. However, Glenn Maxwell and Co defeated the Sydney Thunder in the Challenger by 28 runs and made their way through to the final on Super Sunday.

The Stars will be up against the Sydney Sixers, who will be back after a week’s break. Maxwell’s men would be mindful of the batting collapse they suffered in the final last time around. The Stars were reduced from 93/0 in 112/7 while chasing 146 against Melbourne Renegades. They are yet to win the BBL as compared to the Sixers, who will be playing their fourth final, winning the title in 2011-12.

Pitch and Conditions

Brisbane Heat scored over 200 once, but the pitch at the SCG has been a sporting one thus far. In all three playoff matches, the team, batting has first have won. Also, the team, batting first came out trumps the last three times these sides met in this BBL. The weather isn’t promising as there are chances of  heavy rain throughout the day. It won’t be a surprise if the match gets abandoned.

Team Combination

Sydney Sixers

The Sixers haven’t made a change from the squad after their win in the Qualifier. In the crunch-game, a lot will depend on Jos Phillippe, Steve Smith and James Vince. Phillippe is their leading run-scorer with 435 runs. Henriques and Hughes’ role can’t be undermined. Dwarshuis and Abbott have to be on top of their game. The onus will also be on the experienced heads of Hazlewood and Lyon.

Probable XI

Josh Phillippe (wk), James Vince, Steve Smith, Moises Henriques (C), Daniel Hughes, Jordan Silk, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Steve O’Keefe, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Melbourne Stars

The Stars have left out fast bowler Dilbar Hussain and roped in Jonathan Merlo. Marcus Stoinis has 695 runs, the highest by a batter in a single edition of the BBL. Glenn Maxwell is in good shape, having scored 393 runs, striking at a decent 148.86. The likes of Peter Handscomb and Nick Larkin will also have their role. In bowling, Haris Rauf and Adam Zampa will have to put forth their A-game.

Probable XI

Nic Maddinson, Marcus Stoinis, Nick Larkin, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell (C), Seb Gotch (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Clint Hinchcliffe, Adam Zampa, Daniel Worrall, Haris Rauf

Probable Top Performers

Marcus Stoinis – Melbourne Stars |James Vince– Sydney Sixers

Broadcast Details

TV– Sony Six, Sony Six HD

Online– Sony LIV

Match Timings – 01:45 PM IST; 07:15 PM local time

The prediction is for the team, batting first to win the match.