BBL 2019-20: Qualifier 01, Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers : Dream 11 Fantasy Cricket Tips-Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The Qualifier 01 of the 2019-20 Big Bash League will be played between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.

The match starts at 07:40 PM local time (08:40 AM GMT) (02:10 PM IST). This match will be live on Sony TEN 3 and Sony TEN 3 HD. Live Streaming will be available on Sony LIV.

Match Preview for Dream11 Fantasy:

The caravan of the 2019-20 Big Bash League is well-and-truly at its business end and the first Qualifier will see the two top teams of the group-stage fixtures- Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers- lock horns in a bid to gain the rights for featuring in the grand finale for the titular clash.

The winner of the 1st Qualifier will qualify for the finals while the loser will get another chance of making it to the Top 2. Melbourne Stars won eight games on the trot in the league-stage and were one of the first sides to qualify for the playoffs. But the Glenn Maxwell-led Stars endured a stutter at the backend of the league-stage as they lost three games on the bounce.

Sydney Sixers, on the other hand, come into this game with contrasting fortunes as they are on a three-match winning streak; the last of which came against by seven wickets against Melbourne Renegades. Both of these sides met twice in the group stage. While the Stars racked up a 44-run win in the first bout, the Sixers came back well in the second to beat the Glenn Maxwell-led unit by 21 runs.

Weather Condition/Report:

It is expected to be an overcast day in Melbourne on Friday. According to the weather report, dark clouds and sunshine are set to play hide and seek throughout the day. While the temperature is set to be between 24 and 38 degrees Celsius, the humidity is set to hover around 29 per cent with moderate chances of rain.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has usually been a belter of a track to bat on. But, with overcast conditions the order for the day on Friday, fast bowlers might come into play early on.

Average first innings score:– 182 [In the last 3 completed games at the venue this season]

Record of chasing teams: Won – 0, Lost – 3

Injury and Availability News

The Stars have been bolstered by the addition of Haris Rauf- their leading wicket-taker of the tournament.

Sydney Sixers have welcomed their all-time leading wicket-taker, Sean Abbott, in place of Tom Curran, who has left Australia for national duty.

Probable Playing XIs

Melbourne Stars

Marcus Stoinis, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell (C), Peter Handscomb (WK), Ben Dunk, Nick Larkin, Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa, Clint Hinchliffe, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Haris Rauf

Bench – Seb Gotch, Dilbar Hussain

Sydney Sixers

Josh Philippe (WK), Daniel Hughes, Steve Smith, James Vince, Moises Henriques (C), Jordan Silk, Steven O’Keefe, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Nathan Lyon

Bench – Lloyd Pope, Jackson Bird

Top Picks

Melbourne Stars

The duo of Marcus Stoinis [607 runs at 60.07] and Glenn Maxwell [373 runs at 46.62] have been the cornerstone of the Stars batting unit and they will once again be the key to their fortunes in the all-important qualifier.

Haris Rauf will undoubtedly spearhead the fast bowling unit. The tearaway bolter is the fifth-highest wicket-taker [16 wickets in 7 games] of the tournament thus far.

Sydney Sixers

The Sixers will once again bank on their quartet of Josh Phillippe [401 runs at 36], James Vince [309 runs at 25], Moises Henriques [244 runs at 27] and Steven Smith [75 runs in 2 games] to rule the roost with the bat.

As far as bowling is concerned, they will be bolstered by the addition of Sean Abbott- their leading wicket-taker of all time. Apart from Abbott, Josh Hazlewood and Ben Dwarshuis [15 wickets] will be the key.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Phillippe, Steve Smith

Vice-Captain – Haris Rauf, James Vince, Moises Henriques

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Josh Phillippe 

Batters –  James Vince, Daniel Hughes, Marcus Stoinis (c),  Nic Maddinson

All-Rounders- Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell (vc)

Bowler- Ben Dwarshius, Clint Hinchliffe, Sean Abbott, Haris Rauf 

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Josh Phillippe (C), Peter Handscomb

Batters –  James Vince, Daniel Hughes, Steven Smith (VC)

All-Rounders- Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell

Bowler- Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Clint Hinchliffe, Haris Rauf 

Expert Advice:

Marcus Stoinis scored a brilliant whirlwind hundred in the league fixture against the Sixers. Stoinis is the leading run-scorer of the season and is due for a big knock after a string of indifferent scores.

Haris Rauf can be another great pick from the Melbourne Stars. The bolter is the leading wicket-taker for his side and could make a substantial impact on Friday. As far as Sixers are concerned, the likes of Josh Phillippe and Moises Henriques can be worth a punt.

Probable Winners:

Melbourne Stars are 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.