BBL 2019-20: Match 31, Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes: Dream 11 Fantasy Cricket Tips-Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Toss Update

Sydney Thunder won the toss and elected field first.

Hobart Hurricanes Playing XI:

Matthew Wade(c), Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott(w), David Miller, George Bailey, Simon Milenko, Thomas Rogers, Clive Rose, Nathan Ellis, Qais Ahmad, Scott Boland.

Sydney Thunder Playing XI:

Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson(c), Matthew Gilkes(w), Chris Morris, Daniel Sams, Alex Ross, Chris Tremain, Arjun Nair, Liam Bowe, Brendan Doggett

Match Details:

The 31st match of the 2019-20 Big Bash League will be played between Sydney Thunder and Hobart Hurricanes at the Sydney Showground Stadium in Sydney.

The match starts at 06:10 PM local time (07:10 AM GMT) (12:40 PM IST). This match will be live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD. Live Streaming will be available on Sony LIV.

Match Preview for Dream11 Fantasy:

After having started their 2019-20 campaign with three victories in their opening four encounters, the wheels are beginning to come off the Sydney Thunder campaign as they have proceeded to lose three back-to-back fixtures, and they will be desperate for a win when they take on Hobart Hurricanes on Saturday.

They come into this fixture, on the back of a six-wicket loss at the hands of Melbourne Stars after their bowlers were unable to counter the rampaging duo of Marcus Stoinis [50] and Glenn Maxwell [59*] while defending 146.

Hobart Hurricanes, on the other hand, find themselves languishing at the second-last spot in the points table, having won just three out of their seven games. They come into this fixture on the back of a five-wicket shellacking at the hands of Brisbane Heat when an underwhelming batting performance consigned them to a well below-par 9-126- a target which was chased down with ease by the Heat.

Weather Condition/Report

It is expected to be an overcast day in Sydney on Saturday with scattered showers gracing the city throughout the day. According to the weather report, dark clouds are set to hover around Sydney throughout the day. While the temperature is set to fluctuate between 17 and 20 degrees Celsius, the humidity is set to be around 69%. Moreover, there is a 70% chance of rain on Saturday.

Pitch Condition/Report:

In the two games played at the venue, both the fast bowlers as well as the spinners ruled the roost, and with rain forecasted for Saturday, they may once again rule the roost.

Average first innings score:– 131 [In the two games at the venue this season]

Record of chasing teams: Won – 1, Lost – 1

Injury and Availability:

Sydney Thunder has made two changes to their 13-man squad that went down to Melbourne Stars in the last game. Liam Bowe and Liam Hatcher have been added to the squad.

Hobart Hurricanes have also made two changes to their squad. Keeper-batsman Jake Doran and fast bowler Jake Reed have been added to the set-up.

Probable Playing XIs:

Sydney Thunder

Alex Hales, Usman Khawaja, Callum Ferguson (C), Matthew Gilkes (WK), Alex Ross, Chris Morris, Daniel Sams, Jonathan Cook, Arjun Nair, Chris Tremain, Brendan Doggett.

Bench – Liam Bowe, Liam Hatcher

Hobart Hurricanes

Matthew Wade (C), Caleb Jewell, David Miller, Ben McDermott (WK), George Bailey, Simon Milenko, Thomas Rogers, Nathan Ellis, Qais Ahmad, Scott Boland, Jake Reed/Clive Rose.

Bench –  Jake Doran, Jake Reed/Clive Rose

Top Picks:

Sydney Thunder-  Calum Ferguson [288 runs at 48.0], Alex Hales [168 runs at 28] and Usman Khawaja [212 runs at 26.5] will be the spearheads as far as the batting unit is concerned. In the absence of Chris Green, the onus will be on Daniel Sams [15 wickets at 14.8], Jonathan Cook [6 wickets at 26.6] and Arjun Nair [7 wickets at 24.14] to lead the bowling. These players can be picked in your Dream11 Fantasy team.

Hobart Hurricanes– Barring Matthew Wade, who scored a whirlwind 61 in his opening game, none of the Hurricanes’ batsman could post any substantial contribution. They will be banking on the likes of Ben McDermott [133 runs at 26.6] and David Miller [88 runs in 7 games] to turn their fortunes around in this all-important encounter. As far as bowling is concerned, Scott Boland [5 wickets] and Qais Ahmad [9 wickets] will be the key.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Calum Ferguson, Matthew Wade, Usman Khawaja

Vice-Captain – Daniel Sams, Qais Ahmed, Ben McDermott

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Ben McDermott, Matthew Wade (VC)

Batters – Calum Ferguson (C), Alex Hales, Usman Khawaja, Caleb Jewell

All-Rounders- Chris Morris, Daniel Sams

Bowlers – Qais Ahmad, Arjun Nair, Scott Boland

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Matthew Wade, Matt Gilkes

Batters – George Bailey, Calum Ferguson, Usman Khawaja (C), David Miller

All-Rounders- Chris Morris, Daniel Sams (VC)

Bowlers – Chris Tremain, Ben Doggett, Qais Ahmad

Expert Advice:

David Miller has had a forgettable tournament thus far, having racked up just 88 runs after 7 games. But, ‘Killer Miller’ is too good a player to miss out that often. Hence, opting for him as captain/vice-captain in your grand league Dream11 Fantasy team could be worth a punt.

Probable Winners:

Sydney Thunder is expected to come out as the winners.

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.