Sydney Thunder take on Perth Scorchers in match No. 30 of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), at the Sydney Showground Stadium, on Monday, January 8.

Every encounter is crucial now for Sydney as they are languishing at No. 7 on the points table with three points from six games. They have managed to win just one out of six matches while having suffered defeats on four occasions. One of their games ended in no result.

Sydney are still in with a chance to make it to the knockouts. However, they can’t afford any more slip-ups. Cameron Bancroft has been the highest run-getter for the Chris Green-led side. The Australian opener has scored 202 runs from six innings, at an average of 33.67 and a strike rate of 124.69. On the bowling front, Daniel Sams has been the standout bowler for the Thunder. The left-arm seamer has picked up 11 wickets in six games, averaging 14.55. However, he has conceded runs at an economy rate of 9.41.

The Scorchers have won four games and lost just once. Like Sydney, one of Perth’s matches ended in no result. With nine points from six games, the Aaron Hardie-led side is sitting at No. 3 on the points table. They won four matches on the trot before losing their most recent encounter against the Adelaide Strikers.

Skipper Hardie has led the team from the front. He has scored 251 runs from six games, at an average of 62.75, with a strike rate of 138.67. Meanwhile, Jason Behrendorff has been the best bowler for the Scorchers. He has bagged nine wickets from six games, at an average of 13.78. His economy rate is also a commendable 7.29.

These two sides are going to face each other for the first time this season. As the tournament is heading towards the business end, the stakes are high in all the matches. While Sydney will be fighting to stay within contention to reach the knockouts, Perth will be looking to consolidate their position in the top four.