BBL 2019-20: Match 34, Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips-Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 34th match of the 2019-20 Big Bash League will be played between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. This match will be live on Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD. Live Streaming will be available on Sony LIV.

The match starts at 07:10 PM local time (08:10 AM GMT) (01:40 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:

We are gradually moving towards the business end of the Big Bash League. And, in a bid to consolidate their position at the top of the table, Glenn Maxwell’s Melbourne Stars will lock horns with the second-placed Sydney Sixers at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

With seven wins in eight games, the Melbourne Stars are at the top of the pile and are well and truly, looking the team to beat in the competition. Their latest win- against the Melbourne Renegades- was championed by the charismatic Glenn Maxwell, who scored a whirlwind 45-ball 83- an innings which included seven sixes and a solitary boundary.

They’ll now face an equally in-form side in the form of Sydney Sixers, who are currently placed at the second spot in the points table. The Sixers come into this game on the back of a two-wicket win over the Adelaide Strikers, a win which was spearheaded by an all-round bowling effort- led by Tom Curran’s 4/22.

Weather Condition/Report

It is expected to be an overcast day in Melbourne on Sunday. According to AccuWeather, dark clouds are to set to play hide and seek around Melbourne throughout the day. While the temperature is set to fluctuate between 14-20 degrees Celsius, the humidity is set to hover around 64%. Moreover, there is a 20 percent chance of rain.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has proved to be a great one for T20 cricket this season. Batting has proved to be a significantly easier proposition on the second innings as compared to the first, with the ball coming onto the bat nicely. Both sides will be looking to bowl first on Sunday.

Average first innings score:– 144 [In the two games at the venue this season]

Record of chasing teams: Won – 2, Lost – 0

Injury and Availability:

The Melbourne Stars have made two changes to their 13-man squad for Sunday’s encounter against the Sixers. Jackson Coleman and Jonathan Merlo have been added in the squad in place of Sam Elliot and Nathan Coulter-Nile.

Sydney Sixers have made one change to their squad that beat the Adelaide Strikers in the last game. Regular captain Moises Henriques comes into the set-up replacing Josh Hazlewood, who is currently on national duty.

Probable Playing XIs-

Melbourne Stars:

Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (C), Seb Gotch(WK), Ben Dunk,  Sandeep Lamichhane, Clint Hinchliffe, Haris Rauf, Lance Morris, Jonathan Merlo

Bench – Jackson Coleman, Daniel Worrall

Sydney Sixers

Josh Philippe (WK), Justin Avendano, Daniel Hughes, James Vince, Moises Henriques (C), Jordan Silk, Tom Curran, Jack Edwards, Ben Dwarshuis, Jackson Bird, Lloyd Pope

Bench – Ben Manenti, Steve O’Keefe.

Top Picks:

Glenn Maxwell [311 runs at 77.75] was at his swashbuckling best in the last game where he scored a whirlwind 83* off 45 balls. He, along with Marcus Stoinis [331 runs at 55.16] and Nick Larkin [104 runs at 34.6] will be the key. As far as bowling is concerned, Haris Rauf [14 wickets at 8.5] will lead the pack along with Sandeep Lamichhane [8 wickets at 23.25]

The Sixers will be bolstered with the addition of Moises Henriques in the set-up. Apart from Henriques, the key to their batting success will lie on Josh Philippe [264 runs at 44], Daniel Hughes [185 runs at 23.12] and James Vince [173 runs at 24.71]. Tom Curran [13 wickets, 120 runs] could once again turn out to be the X-factor.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Tom Curran

Vice-Captain – Haris Rauf, Josh Phillippe, James Vince

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Josh Phillipe (VC)

Batters – James Vince, Ben Dunk, Nick Larkin, Justin Avendano

All-Rounders- Tom Curran, Glenn Maxwell (C), Marcus Stoinis

Bowlers – Jackson Bird, Haris Rauf, Ben Dwarshuis

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Josh Phillipe

Batters – Daniel Hughes, Ben Dunk, Nick Larkin

All-Rounders- Tom Curran (VC), Moises Henriques, Marcus Stoinis (C)

Bowlers – Sandeep Lamichhane, Haris Rauf, Ben Dwarshuis, Lloyd Pope

Expert Advice:

The likes of Tom Curran and Glenn Maxwell have contributed with both bat and ball throughout the season. Hence, opting for them as captain/vice-captain in your small-league team can be worth a punt.

Probable Winners:

Melbourne Stars 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.