Women’s Big Bash League 2019: Match 49, Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars– Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 49th match of the 2019 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) will be played between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars at the Manuka Oval in Canberra

The match starts at 2:30 PM local time (3:30 AM GMT) (9:00 AM IST). Live streaming of this match will be available on Fancode in India.

Preview:

Sydney Thunder looks to keep their campaign alive on Wednesday as they face Melbourne Stars in Canberra. Although the Stars are at the bottom of the Points Table, they come into this game on the back of a stunning chase against cross-city rivals, Renegades. Thunder’s recent form has been disastrous.

They haven’t won in six games in WBBL although the Rachael Haynes-led side did get the better of the Stars earlier in the tournament. There isn’t much to differentiate the two sides on paper with Nida Dar’s departure adding insult to injury for the Thunder. Nevertheless, a win is imperative to their cause with time running out for the Sydney Thunder.

Weather Condition/Report:

A sunny day beckons with the temperature hovering around 24 degrees Celsius. While there isn’t a chance of rainfall, the conditions should remain the same throughout the game. There is a wind expected to blow in at 22 km/h, which would play a part while a few clouds are also in line to make an appearance during the initial stages of the match.

Pitch Condition/Report:

This is the first game being played at the Manuka Oval in WBBL 2019. Traditionally, it is a good wicket to bat on with some help available for the pacers. Chasing will be the preferred choice with 160 being a competitive total on this surface.

Average first innings score: 153 (Only WBBL 2018-19 game played at the venue)

Record of Chasing Team: Won – 1, Lost – 0

Injury and Availability News:

Nida Dar has left Sydney Thunder for national duty and will not be a part of WBBL 2019 from here on.

Probable Playing XIs:

Sydney Thunder:

Rachael Priest (WK), Naomi Stalenberg, Rachael Haynes (C), Alex Blackwell, Phoebe Litchfield, Rachel Trenaman, Hannah Darlington, Shabnim Ismail, Samantha Bates, Lisa Griffith, Rene Farrell

Bench: Olivia Porter, Saskia Horley

Melbourne Stars:

Lizelle Lee, Ellyse Villani (C), Mignon du Preez, Annabel Sutherland, Erin Osborne, Alana King, Nicole Faltum (WK), Holly Ferling, Nicola Hancock, Madeline Penna, Tess Flintoff

Bench: Kristen Beams, Katey Martin

Top Picks:

Rachael Priest is one of the most explosive openers in the WBBL. Although her tally of 186 runs doesn’t justify her ability, her strike-rate of 125.68 should hold the Sydney Thunder keeper in good stead. Teenage all-rounder, Hannah Darlington has been a decent find with nine wickets to her name this season. She has proven to be a capable death bowler and can also score some quick runs when required of her.

The Melbourne Stars has only won two games this season with Lizelle Lee playing a starring role in both of them. The South African is sixth on the list for most runs this season with 389 runs at an average of 38.90.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Rachael Priest, Alex Blackwell, Lizelle Lee

Vice-Captain – Erin Osborne, Hannah Darlington, Mignon du Preez

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Rachael Priest (C)

Batsmen – Alex Blackwell, Lizelle Lee (VC), Phoebe Litchfield, Mignon du Preez

All-Rounders – Erin Osborne, Hannah Darlington, Madeline Penna

Bowlers – Shabnim Ismail, Sam Bates, Nicola Hancock

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Rachael Priest

Batsmen – Alex Blackwell (C), Rachael Haynes, Lizelle Lee, Elyse Villani

All-Rounders – Erin Osborne (VC), Annabel Sutherland, Hannah Darlington

Bowlers – Shabnim Ismail, Lisa Griffith, Rene Farrell

Expert Advice:

Avoid picking Nida Dar as she has left for a national camp. Hannah Darlington is a viable allrounder pick from the Sydney Thunder and could be promoted up the order as well to fill the gap.

Probable Winner:

Sydney Thunder are expected to win the game.

*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.