BBL 2019-20: Match 19, Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

The extravaganza of Big Bash League continues with yet another much-anticipated encounter between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars.

Sydney Thunder have had a phenomenal start to their Big Bash League 2019-20 campaign. Thunder have won three out of their five matches so far in the tournament. The Callum Ferguson-led side is currently sitting at the top of the points table. The skipper has led his side from the front and has smashed three half-centuries in his last five matches for Sydney Thunder. Thunder will be eager to clinch the win to move towards establishing an unassailable lead on the top of the points table.

Melbourne Stars also had a positive start to their BBL 2019-20 campaign. Stars have won three out of their four matches so far and are currently poised third on the points table. In their previous encounter against Hobart Hurricanes, the Glenn Maxwell-led side cruised to the victory in a rain-hit match. Nathan Coulter-Nile, who had two scalps under his belt in his two overs, was the pick of their bowlers. Stars would be eyeing to clinch the top spot of the points table by registering a victory against Sydney Thunder in this match.

Pitch and Conditions

Sydney Showground Stadium will host its first match of 2019-20 season of Big Bash League. In the five encounters of the previous season of BBL, the team batting first has emerged victorious on all occasions. Most teams will prefer to bat on this track in order to amass a competitive total on the scoreboard. In the last BBL match played on this venue, both the teams were able to post at least 140 runs on the board.

The temperature is expected to hover around 24 degrees Celcius according to AccuWeather. There are almost no chances of rain to intervene in the match. However, the humidity levels are expected to soar during the course of play.

Team Combination

Sydney Thunder

Skipper Callum Ferguson has been in sensational form for Sydney Thunder. He has muscled three half-centuries in his last five BBL encounters. Usman Khawaja has also showcased his potential with the bat. In six matches so far, the right-hander has amassed 203 runs at an average of 33.83. Daniel Sams and Jonathan Cook are expected to steer the bowling force of Thunder.

Probable XI: Callum Ferguson (c), Jonathan Cook, Matthew Gilkes (wk), Chris Green, Alex Hales, Usman Khawaja, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Morris, Arjun Nair, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams

Melbourne Stars

All-rounders- Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinins have delivered astounding performances for Stars so far. Stoinis has muscled 155 runs in four matches so far while Maxwell has scored 128 runs so far in the tournament. Maxwell has also delivered impressive performances with the ball. With a formidable bowling force comprising Steyn, Zampa, Coulter-Nile and Zampa, Melbourne Stars will be hoping for early breakthroughs.

Probable XI: Glenn Maxwell (c), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ben Dunk, Peter Handscomb (wk), Nick Larkin, Nic Maddinson, Haris Rauf, Dale Steyn, Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa

Probable Top Performers

Callum Ferguson– Sydney Thunder | Marcus Stoinis – Melbourne Stars

Broadcast Details

TV– Sony Six, Sony Six HD

Online– Sony Liv

Match Timings – 10:10 AM IST, and 15:40 PM local time

The prediction is for Melbourne Stars to win the match.