BBL 2019-20: Match 34, Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

The enthralling journey of BBL 2019-20 continues with another exciting encounter as Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers lock horns in Match 34 of the tournament.

Both the teams have had a similar journey so far in the tournament. It’s going to be a clash between the table-toppers in what anticipates to be a nail-biting encounter. Melbourne Stars have been in phenomenal form this season and are currently poised at the top of the table. Stars have a star-studded line-up with many match-winners in their arsenal. Skipper Glenn Maxwell has also been in phenomenal form this season along with Marcus Stoinis.

In their previous match of the season against Melbourne Renegades, Stars chased down the target of 169 runs with eight balls to spare. Skipper Glenn Maxwell led his side from the front as he smashed 83 runs from 45 balls to propel his side to the win. He was assisted by Hilton Cartwright (35) and Nick Larkin (33). Moreover, their bowling force led by Haris Rauf has also delivered astounding performances. Melbourne Stars will be eager to consolidate their place at the top by registering a win in this match.

Sydney Sixers also have had a similar journey so far in the tournament. Sixers have won six out of their eight matches in BBL 2019-20 and are currently sitting at the second place in the points table with points. Sixers have the opportunity to clinch the top spot by thrashing Stars by a huge margin in this encounter. In their previous match against Adelaide Strikers, Sixers chased down the target of 135 with eight balls to spare.

Tom Curran played a vital all-round role in the match as he scored 21 runs along with scalping four crucial wickets. James Vince also played a significant cameo of 27 runs to guide Sixers in their run chase. Equipped with a robust bowling force comprising Josh Hazlewood, Tom Curran, Ben Dwarshious and Jackson Bird- Sixers are expected to topple Stars’ batting attack.

Pitch and Conditions

It is touted to turn out to be an enthralling encounter at MCC. However, MCG pith isn’t touted to be a batting paradise as mammoth scores were not posted on this venue last season. In the previous encounter at this venue, both the teams ticked the 140-run mark. Considering the batting form of both Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers, fans can expect a mammoth total on the scoreboard. There is a slim chance of rain to intervene in the match. The temperature is expected to hover around 21 degrees Celcius according to AccuWeather, along with moderate levels of humidity.

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. Moreover, Stars are equipped with a robust bowling force led by Haris Rauf. Rauf has been in stunning form with his lethal pace and slower ball variations. He will also be assisted by Maxwell and Lamichhane.

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

Sydney Sixers

Sixers will be relying on all-rounder Tom Curran to replicate his previous match’s performance. Opener Josh Philippe has also delivered match-winning performances for Sixers in the season. He will be assisted by skipper Daniel Hughes with the bat. Along with Tom Curran’s four-wicket haul in the last match, Ben Dwarshuis (2), Josh Hazlewood (1) and Lloyd Pope (2) were also pivotal with the ball. However, Sixers will miss the services of Josh Hazlewood, who is out due to international duties. Furthermore, skipper Moises Henriques has returned to the squad replacing Hazlewood.

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

Probable Top Performers

Haris Rauf– Melbourne Stars| Josh Philippe- Sydney Sixers

Broadcast Details

TV– Sony Ten 3, Sony Ten 3 HD

Online– Sony LIV

Match Timings – 1:40 PM IST; 7:10 PM local time

The prediction is for Melbourne Stars to win the match.