The Adelaide Strikers will take on the second-placed Sydney Thunder at home in this blockbuster of a New Year's Eve clash on Monday. Both teams are coming into this match on the back of defeats. The hosts have lost two games in a row after starting off their BBL08 campaign on a winning note. The Thunder, on the other hand, suffered a thumping defeat at the hands of a rampaging Hobart Hurricanes side in the previous match after starting their season with two consecutive victories.
The last time these two teams met each other was at the Spotless Stadium in Sydney in the previous season. The Strikers had aced the Thunder by 25 runs in that encounter. They have played against each other a total of 8 times with the Strikers winning five and Thunder on three occasions. Moreover, the Strikers have an unbeaten record on New Year's eve class throughout their BBL history and hence would be looking to maintain that record this time as well.
Weather and Pitch Conditions: Weather will remain absolutely clear with no chance of rain. 150 is generally a par score on this pitch which has something for both batsmen and bowlers.
Note: Rashid Khan may not play as his father has passed away and he might have already headed back home. Look out for the confirmation of his availability.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-Keeper: Jos Buttler (10.5 Cr)
Buttler is now the second highest run scorer in the tournament with 172 runs to his name
The Adelaide Strikers will take on the second-placed Sydney Thunder at home in this blockbuster of a New Year's Eve clash on Monday. Both teams are coming into this match on the back of defeats. The hosts have lost two games in a row after starting off their BBL08 campaign on a winning note. The Thunder, on the other hand, suffered a thumping defeat at the hands of a rampaging Hobart Hurricanes side in the previous match after starting their season with two consecutive victories.
The last time these two teams met each other was at the Spotless Stadium in Sydney in the previous season. The Strikers had aced the Thunder by 25 runs in that encounter. They have played against each other a total of 8 times with the Strikers winning five and Thunder on three occasions. Moreover, the Strikers have an unbeaten record on New Year's eve class throughout their BBL history and hence would be looking to maintain that record this time as well.
Weather and Pitch Conditions: Weather will remain absolutely clear with no chance of rain. 150 is generally a par score on this pitch which has something for both batsmen and bowlers.
Note: Rashid Khan may not play as his father has passed away and he might have already headed back home. Look out for the confirmation of his availability.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-Keeper: Jos Buttler (10.5 Cr)
Buttler is now the second highest run scorer in the tournament with 172 runs to his name in 3 matches, which includes two scores of 50 plus as well. With the Adelaide Oval being a good track for openers, Buttler can be expected to be amongst the runs once again.
Batsman: Shane Watson (10 Cr)
The former Australian international might not have had the best of starts to the tournament but he is surely due for a big score. He has only 61 runs in the three matches so far and will be eager to get a big one to his name this time around.
All-Rounder: Daniel Sams (9 Cr)
The Thunder all-rounder has set the tournament on fire this season with his all-round exploits. He has played a couple of handy cameos batting at No. 6 and is also the joint fourth highest wicket-taker with 6 wickets in 3 matches.
Bowler: Billy Stanlake (9 Cr)
The Adelaide Strikers pace-machine has 5 wickets to his name in the season so far in three matches. He is cranking up some really good pace of late and is looking pretty good to pick up more and more wickets.
Captain: Daniel Sams
Vice-Captain: Jos Buttler
