The Sydney Sixers will lock horns with the Adelaide Strikers in the Challenger of the Big Bash League 2021-22 at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). It’s all to play for as the winner of this game will go through to the final to face the Perth Scorchers.
The Sydney Sixers suffered a heavy loss to the Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier and missed a chance to qualify for the final. After being asked to bowl first, the bowlers struggled to pick up wickets as the Scorchers posted 189 on the board in their 20 overs.
The Sixers’ batters failed to adapt to the conditions. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Ben Dwarshuis, lower down the order, scored 66 off just 29 balls but they were eventually bundled out on 141, losing the game by 48 runs. The defending champions will be hoping for a much-improved performance in their upcoming fixture.
The Adelaide Strikers, on the other hand, are on a roll. They defeated the Hobart Hurricanes in the Eliminator and carried forward the winning momentum by beating the Sydney Thunder in the Knockout to seal a berth in the Challenger.
Batting first, the Strikers scored 184 in their 20 overs, losing six wickets. The bowlers then stepped up and backed up their batters as they defended the total successfully.
The Strikers held their nerves in the end as they won the game by six runs. They will be eager to repeat their performance in the Challenger.
SYDNEY SIXERS VS ADELAIDE STRIKERS MATCH DETAILS:
Match: Sydney Sixers vs Adelaide Strikers, Challenger, Big Bash League 2021-22
Date and Time: January 26th 2021, Wednesday, 01:55 PM IST
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
SYDNEY SIXERS VS ADELAIDE STRIKERS PITCH REPORT
The pitch at Sydney Cricket Ground is a belter of a track. The batters enjoy batting on this surface as the ball comes nicely onto the bat. The bowlers have to be on their toes as they often tend to miss their mark.
SYDNEY SIXERS VS ADELAIDE STRIKERS WEATHER FORECAST
Temperatures in Melbourne are expected to range between 19 and 24 degrees Celsius. There will be a cloud cover throughout the day.
SYDNEY SIXERS VS ADELAIDE STRIKERS PROBABLE XIS
SYDNEY SIXERS
Hayden Kerr picked up two wickets but the team failed to keep a check on the scoring rate as the Scorchers posted 189 on the board. The batters were disappointed with only Ben Dwarshuis managing to contribute.
ADELAIDE STRIKERS
Ian Cockbain scored 65 off 38 balls and was well-supported by other batters in their last game against the Thunder. Harry Conway and Peter Siddle picked up two wickets apiece.
SYDNEY SIXERS VS ADELAIDE STRIKERS HEAD-TO-HEAD
Matches – 16, Adelaide Strikers – 6, Sydney Sixers –10, N/R- 0
PROBABLE TOP PERFORMERS
PROBABLE BEST BATTER OF THE MATCH
MATTHEW SHORT – ADELAIDE STRIKERS
Matthew Short has been in riveting form in the Big Bash League (BBL) and has scored close to 500 runs this year, including 3 half-centuries. Moreover, he has scored his runs at a colossal strike rate of 156.08 and is a match-winner for his side.
PROBABLE BEST BOWLER OF THE MATCH
PETER SIDDLE – ADELAIDE STRIKERS
Peter Siddle has been the standout bowler in the Big Bash League (BBL) this season. The veteran right-arm pacer has scalped 29 wickets in the tournament and averages just 17.37 as well.
SYDNEY SIXERS VS ADELAIDE STRIKERS MATCH PREDICTION
Having lost against the Scorchers in the Qualifier, the Sixers have to be on their toes to bounce back. The Strikers, meanwhile, have been phenomenal in their last few games and will look to continue the winning momentum.
As the defending champions, the Sixers will be eager to make amends and continue their title defense. They are expected to come out on top on Wednesday.
PREDICTION: SYDNEY SIXERS TO WIN THIS ENCOUNTER.
