STR vs THU Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match? BBL 2020-21, Match 53

The Adelaide Strikers, somehow, have managed to get themselves up from the bottom half of the points table in the ongoing edition of the Big Bash League. With 28 points from 13 matches, the team, captained by Travis Head, are placed third in the points table.

Their net run rate of 0.170 is also a massive plus for them. A victory would take them to the next round of the T20 tournament. Their next match is against the Sydney Thunder on Monday, January 25 at the Adelaide Oval. It’s at the very venue that the Strikers got past Callum Ferguson’s Thunder.

On the other hand, the Thunder are in a bit of strife with one match left. They were on a winning spree in the middle of the tournament, but have lost a bit of momentum. Even they need a win to move to the next round.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the Adelaide Oval has been an excellent one for batting. The average first innings score tells a lot about how the track has behaved thus far. But out of the nine games that have been played in Adelaide, the teams batting first have come out trumps six times. Hence, it’s advisable to not chase on the strip. There are chances of rain around 3 PM and hence, there could be frequent delays.

Average first-innings score

173 (9 completed T20 match in BBL 2020-21)

Record of the chasing teams

Won – 3; Lost – 6

Playing Combinations for STR vs THU

Adelaide Strikers

Alex Carey (WK), Jake Weatherald, Phillip Salt, Travis Head (C), Ryan Gibson, Matt Renshaw, Michael Neser, Danny Briggs, Wes Agar, Liam O’Connor, Peter Siddle

Bench– Harry Conway, Harry Nielsen, Spencer Johnson, Liam Scott, Matthew Short, Cameron Valente, Jono Wells, Daniel Worrall

Sydney Thunder

Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (C), Oliver Davies, Sam Billings (WK), Alex Ross, Chris Green, Ben Cutting, Nathan McAndrew, Adam Milne, Brendan Doggett

Bench– Jono Cook, Matthew Gilkes, Baxter Holt, Arjun Nair, Jason Sangha, Chris Tremain, Tanveer Sangha

Probable Top Performers for STR vs THU

Alex Carey– Adelaide Strikers

Alex Carey has been the standout batsman for the Strikers in the tournament. He has been opening the batting of late and also smashed a century.

In 11 matches, the left-handed batsman has notched as many as 410 runs at an average and strike-rate of 37.27 and 128.52 respectively. The veteran will be looking to churn another knock of substance and take his team through to the playoffs.

Alex Hales– Sydney Thunder

Alex Hales has done whatever is there in his control. He has racked up 472 runs from 13 games at an average and strike-rate of 36.30 and 163.88 respectively. After he scored the century against the Sydney Sixers, his confidence would have sky-rocketed.

The Thunder need him to ply another thumping knock to help them make the playoffs. He won’t be holding himself back from playing his shots.

Broadcast Details

Match timings – 06:45 PM local time, 01:45 AM IST

TV – Sony Ten Network

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

The prediction is for the team, batting first 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.