BBL 2018/19: Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Sixers, Match 21 - Preview and Predicted Playing XI
Adelaide Strikers are set to host Sydney Sixers for the 21st fixture of the Big Bash League at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on Sunday, January 6.
Both teams have faced each other on eight occasions with the Strikers leading the scoreline 5-3. In their previous faceoff during the last season, Strikers secured a 25-run win at the Sydney Showground Stadium.
Batting first, the Strikers posted 167/3 in their quota of twenty overs and then restricted the Sixers chase at 161/8 to seal the match.
Adelaide Strikers
After back to back defeats against Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers, the Strikers managed to get their cart back on track with a win against Sydney Thunder by 20 runs and followed it up with a 32-run victory in a rematch against the Melbourne Renegades.
Batting
Jake Weatherald is coming off a 44-ball 71 against Melbourne Renegades, while skipper Colin Ingram hit an impressive 43-ball 75 against Sydney Thunder.
Once settled in, these two can prove to be a disaster for the opposition bowling. Alex Carey with 161 runs has been Adelaide's best batsman in the tournament so far and has two fifties to his name against Renegades. He along with Matthew Short, is expected to come out with a quality innings here.
Bowling
The Strikers' main bowler Rashid Khan has taken the most wickets with eight in five games and has played a crucial role in the team's resurgence. The Afghan spinner will once again pose a major threat for the Sixers.
Peter Siddle, who earned a national call-up after an impressive show in previous fixtures is likely to rattle the opponents with his pace.
While Billy Stanlake has been their second best bowler with seven wickets and his skipper will be backing him to get a few scalps in the powerplay overs.
Expected Playing XI
Colin Ingram (C), Alex Carey, Jake Weatherald, Matthew Short, Jon Wells, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Rashid Khan, Peter Siddle, Liam O’Connor and Billy Stanlake.
Sydney Sixers
Sydney Sixers' season has been no less than a rollercoaster ride with three wins and three losses in six BBL games. They find themselves fourth in the points table. Sixers have not been consistent their approach and they will aim to end it with a win against Strikers.
Batting
Jordan Silk is amongst the season's leading run-getters with 193 runs. He has been the most consistent batsmen in this lineup. Though he faced a rare failure against the Hobart Hurricanes, he will be eager to make up for that against Adelaide.
Daniel Hughes, who has been their next best run-getter with 164 runs, has broken the 50-run mark twice in his six outings. He will bear the responsibility to get the team towards a decent total.
Bowling
When it comes to bowling, they become a force to be reckoned with. Steve O'Keefe is amongst the season's highest wicket-takers with 11 wickets in six matches while Tom Curran, Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis have taken ten, nine and seven wickets respectively.
All four of them have been the top performers for the Sixers with the ball and it is likely that they will cause problems for the Strikers in this match as well.
Expected Playing XI
Moises Henriques (C), Joe Denly, Dan Hughes, Jordan Silk, Josh Philippe, Tom Curran, Sean Abbott, Steve O'Keefe, Ben Dwarshuis and Ben Manenti.