The BBL14 action continues in the nation’s capital as the Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder go head-to-head at Manuka Oval. There’s plenty of star power on display in this matchup, so fans should be in for an entertaining clash. Check out our full match preview and best bets below, and good luck to everyone following along!
BBL14 Stars vs Thunder Betting Tips
Manuka Oval, Saturday 28th December, 7:15pm AEDT
Melbourne Stars
Predicted XI: Ben Duckett, Tom Rogers, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, Sam Harper, Tom Curran, Usama Mir, Doug Warren, Peter Siddle
The Stars have had a tough start to BBL14 after losing the opening three games of the season. Their batting unit has failed to get going throughout the tournament, while their bowling attack hasn’t threatened at any point so far.
The inclusions of Ben Duckett and Glenn Maxwell give some upside, giving some much needed support to Marcus Stoinis. At the time of writing Sam Harper is the only Stars batsmen to have scored 40, and no player is yet to reach a half century. That kind of batting doesn’t allow you to be competitive in T20 cricket, and is the reason the Stars haven’t been able to post match winning totals.
Across the Stars first three games Peter Siddle and Adam Milne (who has left the Stars side) are the only players to have taken at least three wickets. Import Tom Curran has struggled in his first season in Melbourne, with just one wicket at an average of 105, with an economy rate of 9.40.
Sydney Thunder
Predicted XI: David Warner, Matt Gilkes, Cameron Bancroft, Oliver Davies, Sam Billings, Sherfane Rutherford, Chris Green, Daniel Sams, Nathan McAndrew, Lockie Ferguson, Tanveer Sangha
After getting out of jail in their first game against the Strikers, the Thunder were in the opposite position after failing to defend 15 from the final over in their loss against crosstown rival Sydney Sixers. Chris Green conceded two costly wides along with a full toss the Ben Dwarshiuis deposited for a maximum that meant the Sixers required just one run from the final ball.
Along with Green, Nathan McAndrew (17 runs) and Lockie Ferguson (9 runs) conceded big overs late, as the Sixers scored 47 from the final four overs. McAndrew (economy 10.12), Green (9.12) and Daniel Sams (9.12) have struggled to keep things tight throughout the tournament, which has put a lot of pressure on Lockie Ferguson.
Cameron Bancroft was brilliant with the bat scoring and unbeaten 70, and with Sam Konstas on Test duties, Bancroft will be crucial with the bat for Sydney. Sam Billings and Ollie Davies have provided some handy contributions over the first two games, so if Bancroft and Warner can be consistent at the top of the order, the Thunder will be in a strong position.
Match Prediction
The Thunder have been shaky to start this season, however it’s difficult to back the Stars after how they’ve begun the season. The formula is clear on how to beat the Stars; limit Maxwell, Stoinis and Duckett and the remaining batsmen won’t be able to produce a winning score.
The Thunder have had the wood over the Stars over the past couple of years, winning three straight games against the Stars. With the form Lockie Ferguson and Tanveer Sangha are in, they’re bound to put an out of form Melbourne Stars batting unit under plenty of pressure.
Sydney Thunder to Win
$1.80 (1 Unit)
Prop Bet
Blackcaps speedster Lockie Ferguson has had an excellent start to his BBL career, bowling some serious heat for the Thunder. Ferguson has taken 5 wickets at an average of 11.20, with an economy of 7, taking 3/24 and 2/32. The New Zealander has pace that will be an absolute handful for the Melbourne Stars to deal with.
Lockie Ferguson: Thunder Leading Wicket Taker
$3.25
