Sydney Thunder will be looking to settle scores with Melbourne Stars as they lock horns with each other at the Manuka Oval, in Canberra, on Tuesday. The Thunder are on a three-game winning run whereas the Stars are coming into this encounter on the back of a disappointing loss against Sydney Sixers. On the back of these results, the Thunder find themselves placed at the third spot in the table with 11 points whereas the Stars have slipped down to the fifth spot with 10 points to their name.
The last time these two teams met, Melbourne Stars registered a comprehensive victory by 22 runs. Sydney Thunder had fought hard but the target turned out to be too much to chase for them. However, they have momentum in their favour and thus they would be eager to keep that going.
Team News
Sam Billings will be available to play for Sydney Thunder in this match. Marcus Stoinis and Nic Maddinson are expected to be available for Melbourne Stars as well.
Probable Playing XIs
Sydney Thunder
Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (C), Alex Ross, Sam Billings (WK), Daniel Sams, Ben Cutting, Chris Green, Adam Milne, Tanveer Sangha, Nathan McAndrew
Melbourne Stars
Marcus Stoinis, Andre Fletcher, Hilton Cartwright, Glenn Maxwell (C), Ben Dunk, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Nic Maddinson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Zampa, Liam Hatcher, Billy Stanlake
Key Players
Sydney Thunder
Daniel Sams: He has not only been exceptional with his bowling but has stepped up with his batting performances as well. Sams already has a match-winning fifty to his name against Brisbane Heat in this season and has picked up six wickets on top of that as well.
Alex Hales: He was the highest run-getter for Sydney Thunder last season as he amassed over 500 runs. Hales hasn’t been able to do much damage till now but Thunder’s chances of winning in this match will increase considerably if he goes on to play a good knock.
Melbourne Stars
Glenn Maxwell: The Australian all-rounder remained unbeaten on 71 in the previous match and picked up a wicket as well. His all-round exploits have had a major impact on the team so far.
Liam Hatcher: The youngster has been a vital cog of their bowling attack this season. Hatcher has bowled with good pace and he has gone on to register eight wickets in the four matches he has played thus far.