HUR vs THU Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match? BBL 2020-21, Match 31

Sydney Thunder’s run in the 2020-21 BBL has been inspiring thus far. After an initial loss, the team, captained by Callum Ferguson, had a five-match winning streak. However, Brisbane Heat halted their run with a five-wicket defeat at the Gabba.

To rub salt into their wounds, Daniel Sams has been ruled out of their next match against Hobart Hurricanes after the all-rounder suffered a concussion. Having scored 133 runs picking up eight wickets, Sams was a crucial member of the Thunder’s setup.

The Hurricanes, on the other hand, have five wins from their first eight games and have 18 points in their kitty. In their previous match, the Melbourne Stars beat them by 10 runs at the Bellerive Oval. A win for either team would help them cement their position among the top teams in the table.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the Perth Stadium has been an excellent one for batting. In the first two games, the team, batting first amassed over 180 runs on the board. But in the next match, the sides can afford to chase as they have power-packed batting units, which can chase big targets down.

The playing conditions will be cloudy with the temperature around 35 degrees Celsius. There won’t be much humidity.

Average first-innings score

185 (1 unaffected T20 match)

Record of the chasing teams

Won – 0; Lost – 1

Playing Combinations for HUR vs THU

Hobart Hurricanes

Ben McDermott (WK), D’Arcy Short, Dawid Malan, Colin Ingram, Tim David, Peter Handscomb (C), Nathan Ellis, Johan Botha, Scott Boland, Riley Meredith, Sandeep Lamichhane

Bench– David Moody, Mitchell Owen, Will Parker, Nic Winter, Mac Wright

Sydney Thunder

Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (C), Sam Billings (WK), Oliver Davies, Ben Cutting, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Adam Milne, Tanveer Sangha, Chris Tremain

Bench– Alex Ross, Brendan Doggett, Matthew Gilkes, Baxter Holt, Arjun Nair, Jason Sangha, Jonathan Cook

Probable Top Performers for HUR vs THU

Ben McDermott– Hobart Hurricanes

Ben McDermott is in excellent touch in the ongoing edition of the BBL. In six matches, the right-hander has 277 runs at an average and strike-rate of 55.40 and 136.45 respectively. In the last game, he scored a superlative 91 against the Stars, though his valiant efforts went in vain.

It goes without saying that the right-hander can’t afford to drop his guard if the Hurricanes have to stage a comeback.

Alex Hales– Sydney Thunder

Alex Hales has arguably been the standout batsman for the Thunder in the tournament. In seven games, the right-hander has notched 243 runs and he is the joint-highest run-getter with Ferguson.

But it’s his strike-rate of 176.08 that stands out from the rest of the batters. Hales can play the big shots and with his wide array of strokes, he can take the Thunder off to a flying start yet another time.

Broadcast Details

Match timings – 03:10 PM local time, 12:40 PM IST

TV – Sony Ten Network

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

The prediction is for Sydney Thunder to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.