Big Bash League 2018-19: Match 46, Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder - Preview and Predicted Playing XI
With both Renegades and Thunder firmly in the running for a play-off place, the 46th match of Big Bash League 2018-19 being held at the Docklands holds the utmost importance for both teams.
While the Renegades put on a bowling master-class against the Perth Scorchers, Sydney Thunder replicated their opponents' efforts albeit with the bat, as a Callum Ferguson hundred took them home against the very same opponents.
With both teams boasting of household names such as Shane Watson and Aaron Finch, this match is sure to be fought very closely between the two.
Melbourne Renegades
Batting
After a decent performance with the bat against the Perth Scorchers, the Renegades should field the sidebar one change. Cameron White is injured for the match and should be replaced by either of Beau Webster or Jack Wildermuth.
Aaron Finch is slowly regaining his form after a dreadful ODI series against the Indians with Sam Harper and Mackenzie Harvey stepping up for them. The presence of Christian and Nabi enables them to go into overdrive in the last few overs.
Bowling
Chris Tremain and Daniel Christian picked up seven wickets between them in the previous match showcasing the Renegades strength in bowling.
Kane Richardson is among the leading wicket-takers in the league and has led them admirably with the new ball. Cameron Boyce and Mohammed Nabi have bowled well with wickets to show for as well.
Expected Playing XI:
Aaron Finch (C), Mackenzie Harvey, Sam Harper(WK), Tom Cooper, Mohammed Nabi, Daniel Christian, Beau Webster, Chris Tremain, Cameron Boyce, Kane Richardson and Harry Gurney.
Sydney Thunder
Batting
Callum Ferguson was at his supreme best as the Thunder chased an improbable target against the Scorchers at the Optus Stadium. With Matt Gilkes injured, Baxter Holt is set to make his debut for the Thunder with his batting position still an uncertainty.
Anton Devcich has been good in patches and with the business end of the tournament underway, much is expected of the Kiwi.
Bowling
On paper, the Thunder bowling doesn't seem the part. But on the field, they have quietly gone about their business with the likes of Daniel Sams and Gurinder Sandhu doing exceedingly well.
Chris Jordan and Chris Green have also performed well with Green doing well in the death as well. Fawad Ahmed has been impressive with his canny leg-breaks and is one to watch out for at the Docklands Stadium.
Expected Playing XI:
Shane Watson (C), Anton Devcich, Callum Ferguson, Jason Sangha, Baxter Holt (WK), Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Chris Jordan, Arjun Nair, Gurinder Sandhu and Fawad Ahmed.