Fresh off the back of an embarrassing performance against the Strikers, the Sydney Thunder will be looking to atone for their record-shattering wipeout against the Melbourne Renegades.
The Renegades are in winning form, so this will be no easy task for the green side of Sydney, although it’s unlikely they will be bundled out so easily again on Sunday.
Josh Nevett provides his full match preview and betting tips below.
BBL12 Renegades vs Thunder Preview & Betting Tips
Marvel Stadium, Sunday 18th December, 7:15pm (AEDT)
Melbourne Renegades
Predicted XI: Aaron Finch, Nic Maddinson, Sam Harper, Jake Fraser McGurk, Jonathan Wells, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Will Sutherland, Tom Rogers, Kane Richardson, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Despite starting the tournament as one of the least fancied teams, the Renegades kicked off their campaign in style with a 22-run victory over the Heat in Cairns.
Nic Maddinson was the main protagonist with the bat, striking 87 off 49 in an innings that showcased his long-known talents.
After setting 166, Akeal Hossein ensured the victory by taking 3-15 off his four overs. While it’s early, it appears as if Hossein with form a strong partnership with fellow spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman in this tournament.
Andre Russell also put in a rounded performance to justify his recruitment, hitting 35 before taking the big wicket of Sam Billings.
Given their Round 1 success, the Renegades will likely rock a similar line-up for game two.
Sydney Thunder
Predicted XI: Alex Hales, Matthew Gilkes, Rilee Rossouw, Jason Sangha, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Oliver Davies, Chris Green, Gurinder Sandhu, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Brendan Doggett
It’s hard to come up with words to describe what happened to the Thunder on Friday night.
Bundled out for a record low of 15 in just under six overs, it was a demolition that none expected.
So, how much do we read into such a result? It’s hard to tell, especially since the Thunder won their first game.
I’m willing to mark the 124-run loss as ‘one of those days’ and expect a big response from Jason Sangha and co against the Renegades.
Looking on the positive side of things, at least Sydney have been good with the ball – they still have not conceded a score over 140, as Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gurinder Sandhu have both taken wickets aplenty.
Match Prediction
Undoubtedly, many punters will be cold on the Thunder after their most recent showing. However, I don’t see any reason for panic.
Sydney still have a dynamic squad filled with match winners, although their spin stocks leave a little to be desired.
Speaking of spinners, the Renegades have those in spades, and will relish playing at home on a usually spin friendly wicket.
While I expect the Thunder to give a decent account of themselves on Sunday, I’m actually tipping back-to-back wins for the Renegades here.
Melbourne Renegades
$1.90
Same Game Multi
Farooqi has been a boom recruit so far, with five wickets to his name after two games. Batsmen often take time to adapt to a new face in the league, so I can see the quick taking plenty more poles in the short term.
Maddinson was in magical touch up at Cazalys Stadium, timing the ball effortlessly. While he can be a hit-or-miss operator, considering his form I expect to see at least one boundary off Maddinson’s bat this Sunday.
As previously mentioned, Marvel Stadium tends to favour the spinners over quicks. Hossein, who took three wickets in his first outing, is set to profit from that trend.
Player to Take 2+ Wickets – Fazalhaq Farooqi
Player to Hit 1+ Fours – Nic Maddinson
Akeal Hossein – To Take a Wicket
