BBL 2019-20: Match 3, Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

It’s time for defending champions Melbourne Renegades to weave magic in the 2019-20 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). Aaron Finch and Co’s first assignment is against the Sydney Thunder at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong. The Thunder made an incredible start to the T20 tournament, winning their away match against the Brisbane Heat at The Gabba by a significant 29 runs.

However, as far as head-to-head is concerned, the Thunder has had to face the wrath of the Renegades. Out of nine matches, the Thunder have won once in the 2013-14 season. The Renegades have emerged victorious in their last six games. For the Thunder, skipper Callum Ferguson got a Man of the Match show and he’ll have to be at his best if the Thunder are to roll over the Renegades.

Pitch and Conditions

In the last BBL, two matches were played at the venue and both times, the team batting first got the advantage. The pitch tends to get slower and chasing can be an arduous task. Scoring runs in the powerplay will be of prime importance. The average score at the venue is 154. There are no chances of rain with the temperature around the 18 degrees Celsius mark. The humidity will be in the 50s.

Team Combination

Melbourne Renegades

The Renegades will be pinning their hopes on Finch to deliver along with Shaun Marsh, who has moved from the Perth Scorchers. Harper can hit the ball hard and is most likely to bat at number three. Tom Cooper and Dan Christian have to bring forth all their experience. In bowling, Harry Gurney and Kane Richardson will hold the key. Cameron Boyce is the sole spin-bowling option.

Probable XI

Aaron Finch (C), Shaun Marsh, Sam Harper (wk), Tom Cooper, Dan Christian, Alex Doolan, Cameron Boyce, Richard Gleeson, Jack Wildermuth, Kane Richardson, Harry Gurney

Sydney Thunder

Khawaja and Hales flattered to deceive last time and they’ll look to make amends. Ferguson’s 44-ball 73 will keep in a positive mindset. Alex Ross and Chris Green also seemed to be hitting the ball cleanly. In bowling, Daniel Sams, Jonathan Cook, Green and Arjun Nair chipped in with two wickets each. Tremain also gave away 27 runs with Chris Lynn’s wicket. Hence, the bowling is in good shape.

Probable XI

Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (C), Matthew Gilkes, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Arjun Nair, Nathan McAndrew, Jonathan Cook, Chris Tremain

Probable Top Performers

Aaron Finch – Melbourne Renegades |Alex Hales – Sydney Thunder

Broadcast Details

TV– Sony Six, Sony Six HD

Online– Sony Liv

Match Timings – 13:40 PM IST, and 18:10 PM local time

The prediction is for Melbourne Renegades to win the match.