Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers will go up against each other on 26 January, in the Challenger of the Big Bash League 2021/22 at Sydney Cricket Ground. The winner of this match will play Perth Scorchers in the final of the ongoing edition.
The Strikers are coming to this fixture after a six-run win against Sydney Thunder in the Knockout. They posted 184/6 after opting to bat and restricted the Thunder to 178/6. Ian Cockbain got a 38-ball 65, while Peter Siddle and Harry Conway claimed two wickets each.
The Sixers, on the other hand, lost to Scorchers by 48 runs in the Qualifier. They were knocked over for 141 in 19.1 overs after coming to chase 190. They were left reeling at 55/7 before Ben Dwarshuis’ 29-ball 66 and Hayden Kerr’s 18-ball 22 saved them from humiliation.
The Strikers will hope Alex Carey and Matthew Short get off to a decent start again. Their middle order has power hitters like Cockbain, Travis Head, Jonathan Wells and Matt Renshaw, so they should be looking at a big total again.
The Sixers will rely on Josh Philippe and Moises Henriques for the bulk of runs. Their bowling attack, featuring Nathan Lyon, Sean Abbott, Hayden Kerr, Dwarshuis and Steve O'Keefe, had a torrid time against the Scorchers, and will look to put up improved show. They are the defending champions and will come out all guns blazing to make the final again.
Likely XIs
Sydney Sixers: Moises Henriques (c), Josh Philippe (wk), Justin Avendano, Jordan Silk, Dan Christian, Sean Abbott, Nicholas Bertus, Hayden Kerr, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Lyon, Steve O'Keefe.
Adelaide Strikers: Peter Siddle (c), Alex Carey (wk), Matthew Short, Ian Cockbain, Travis Head, Jonathan Wells, Matt Renshaw, Thomas Kelly, Henry Thornton, Harry Conway, Fawad Ahmed.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Include both Carey and Philippe among wicketkeepers.
- Make Dan Christian captain and Head vice-captain.
- Henriques, Short, Cockbain and Jordan Silk are the highly dependable batters.
Fantasy XI
Moises Henriques, Alex Carey, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Ian Cockbain, Jordan Silk, Travis Head (vc), Dan Christian (c), Ben Dwarshuis, Harry Conway, Fawad Ahmed.