Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers BBL Tips, Predictions and Preview

Gary Emmerson:

It’s a top of the table clash as the Melbourne Stars will look to keep their advantage over the Sydney Sixers when the sides meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday.

The Stars, will be missing their national stars who have left for India, have 14 points from eight matches (W7, L1) and have won their last four matches. The Sixers have 12 points from their eight (W6, L2) and have won their last five matches on the run – including one via a Super Over.

Melbourne Stars

The Stars will miss the services of Peter Handscomb and Adam Zampa, but will hope that Glenn Maxwell (311 runs, SR 169.94) and Marcus Stoinis (331, SR 119.92) continues their consistency. Nick Larkin will be crucial for the side, but so will be Ben Dunk, who looked fluent in his brief stay against the Renegades.

The return of Haris Rauf (14 wickets, ER 5.95) is a big bonus with the ball for the Stars. Zampa will be missed, but the presence of Sandeep Lamichhane is a big boost to their hopes.

Sydney Sixers

The Sixers are one of those lucky sides who won’t be disturbed because of national duties. Josh Philippe’s consistency at the top (264 runs, SR 128.15) is a great positive, although they could well do with big scores from others in the batting line-up.

Tom Curran (13 wickets) has been a real pleasure to have in the side, that is bursting at the seams with the choices. Ben Dwarshuis and Lloyd Pope have taken ten wickets each and will look to lead the Sixers once again.

Match Up

The Stars continue to rely on Maxwell and Stoinis to deliver as they look to continue their winning momentum. However, the Sixers have been equally good – if not better. The Stars’ spinners could be crucial in this one. Overall, it is the Sixers who have an edge coming into this fixture.

History & Statistics

  • The Stars have won six of the last nine H2Hs, including the last two.
  • The Stars have a 2-0 H2H record on winning the toss.
  • The Sixers have scored the highest powerplay score in five of their eight matches this season.

Key Players

With Handscomb missing, is it time for the good old Ben Dunk to start scoring runs? He looked in good touch before his innings was cut short against the Renegades.

Philippe has scored the only two individual 50s that the Sixers have accomplished in this year’s BBL. With the campaign moving towards the business end, he will be keen on continuing the record.

Tips