THU vs STR Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match? BBL 2020-21, Match 51

Sydney Thunder, after a brilliant start to the ongoing BBL, fell a tad after losing three matches on the trot. However, the 46-run win over the Sydney Sixers would have given them a whole lot of confidence. Their next match is against the Adelaide Strikers on Sunday, January 24 at the Adelaide Oval.

With an impressive net run rate of 1.041, they have every chance of topping the points table. The Strikers, on the other hand, can’t afford blemishes, being placed seventh in the points table. The table is congested in the middle and a victory could take the strikers among the table toppers.

The Strikers would be going into the game on the back of an 82-run win over Brisbane Heat and that should keep them in good stead. A loss would put them in dire straits going into their last match.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Adelaide has mostly been a sporting one. But in the last game, the track turned out to be an absolute belter. It’s pertinent to note that the team, batting first has gotten a fair amount of assistance from the surface.

Hence, chasing can be avoided. There are no chances of rain during game time. The clouds will be there with the temperature around 34 degrees Celsius. The humidity won’t be high.

Average first-innings score

176 (7 completed T20 match in BBL 2020-21)

Record of the chasing teams

Won – 3; Lost – 5

Playing Combinations for THU vs STR

Sydney Thunder

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

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

Adelaide Strikers

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

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

Probable Top Performers for THU vs STR

Alex Hales– Sydney Thunder

Alex Hales has been in the form of his life as he is the leading run-scorer in the 2020-21 BBL. The right-handed batter has racked up 462 runs at an average and strike-rate of 38.50 and 165.59 respectively.

He has two fifties and the century he notched against the Sixers would have upped his confidence by a large extent. If he gets going then the Strikers might have to end up chasing leather.

Alex Carey– Adelaide Strikers

Alex Carey has been the standout batsman for the Strikers in the tournament. In 10 matches, the left-handed batsman has 381 runs at an average and strike-rate of 38.10 and 128.71 respectively.

Like Hales, even Carey hammered a T20 century against the Heat. The knock should keep him in a positive frame of mind. However, the Strikers would be needing another knock of substance from him.

Broadcast Details

Match timings – 04:05 PM local time, 10:35 AM 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.