BBL 2019-20: Match 28, Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

As the extravaganza of BBL 2019-20 progresses into its latter stages, Melbourne Stars encounter Sydney Thunder in what anticipates to be an enthralling clash.

Melbourne Stars are in phenomenal form this season and have lost only one game out of six so far. The Glenn Maxwell-led side has amassed 10 points in their campaign and are currently poised at the top spot in the points table. Stars will be eager to consolidate their pinnacle spot in the season by winning this encounter.

In their previous match against Sydney Thunder, Stars cruised to a three-wicket victory on the back of impressive knocks from Marcus Stoinis and Nick Larkin. Skipper Glenn Maxwell, who helped to shine with the bat, provided two vital breakthroughs for Stars. Chasing a target of 143, half-centuries from Stoinis and Larkin propelled Stars to the target with two balls remaining.

Sydney Thunder, on the other hand, have had a topsy-turvy tale so far in the tournament. Thunder have won three out of seven games this season and are currently poised at fourth spot in the points table. Thunder will be aiming to clinch the third spot by winning this encounter against Stars. In the last match between both these sides, Thunder’s top-order batting force failed to fire off. However, Alex Ross steered their ship by smashing 40 runs off 32 balls in the latter stages of the game.

Pitch and Conditions

The MCG pith isn’t touted to be a batting paradise as mammoth scores were not posted on this venue last season. In the last BBL match on this wicket, both teams failed to go past the 150+ mark. There’s a very low chance of rain to intervene in the game. The temperature is expected to hover around 24 degrees Celcius with moderate levels of humidity, according to Accuweather.

Team Combination

Melbourne Stars

Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell will be eager to emerge as the match-winners for Stars. Both the all-rounder have delivered impressive performances for Stars this season. Stoinis (58) and Larkin (65) had played vital knocks to propel Stars to a good start in their previous match against Sydney Thunder. Furthermore, Stars are equipped with a formidable bowling force comprising the likes of Coulter Nile, Zampa, Rauf and Maxwell. Haris Rauf, who has scalped 10 wickets in last three matches, will be the player to look out for.

Predicted XI: Nic Maddinson, Marcus Stoinis, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (c), Peter Handscomb (wk), Ben Dunk, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Sandeep Lamichhane, Haris Rauf, Hilton Cartwright, Adam Zampa

Sydney Thunder

The duo of Alex Hales and Usman Khawaja is expected to provide Thunder a flying start. Skipper Callum Ferguson has also delivered staggering batting performances this season. The pair of Chris Morris and Chris Green will be steering their bowling attack. Daniel Sams, who scalped three wickets in Thunder’s last encounter against Melbourne Stars, will be eager to replicate his astounding performance.

Predicted XI: Alex Hales, Usman Khawaja, Callum Ferguson (C), Matthew Gilkes (WK), Chris Tremain, Alex Ross, Chris Morris, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Arjun Nair, Brendan Doggett

Probable Top Performers

Marcus Stoinis– Melbourne Stars | Callum Ferguson– Sydney Thunder

Broadcast Details

TV– Sony Ten 3, Sony Ten 3 HD

Online– Sony Liv

Match Timings – 01:40 PM IST, and 07:10 PM local time

The prediction is for Melbourne Stars to win the match.