The Sydney Smash takes center stage on Saturday evening when the Thunder host the Sixers at ENGIE Stadium, with both sides desperate to kick-start their BBL campaigns. Between them, the two Sydney rivals are winless for three combined matches, making this an early season match full of urgency despite still being in the early stages of the season.
BBL15 Thunder vs Sixers betting odds
Gabba, Friday 19 December, 7.15pm AEDT
Sydney Thunder
Team: David Warner, Tom Andrews, Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Gilkes, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan, Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Aidan O’Connor, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley.
The Thunder opened their season with a narrow loss to the Hurricanes, a match that summed up both their upside and their current frustrations. Batting first, they posted a competitive 6 for 180, built around Cameron Bancroft’s 61 off 44 balls at the top of the order. Shadab Khan also made a timely contribution to the rankings with 34 from 24, allowing the Thunder to finish strong after a solid platform.
The problem came with the ball. Apart from young leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, who impressed with figures of 1 for 26 from four overs, the bowling lacked control and bite. Every other Thunder bowler conceded at least 8.25 runs per over, allowing Hobart to chase down the target with one ball to spare. On the injury front, Sam Konstas was elbowed in the opener, and with David Warner potentially returning, it looks like a straight change at the top. The Thunder will back their offense to respond much better than they did in that opening outing.
Sydney Sixers
Selection: Sean Abbott, Babar Azam, Jafer Chohan, Sam Curran Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Ben Manenti, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Kane Richardson, Lachlan Shaw, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith
The Sixers are in uncharted territory, staring at an 0-2 start after back-to-back losses to the Scorchers and Strikers. On Wednesday night against Adelaide they made 9 for 159 batting first, with Josh Philippe’s 46 of 28 at number three making the standout contribution. Star recruit Babar Azam is yet to impress. He has failed to reach double figures in either game so far, leaving the Sixers looking for stability at the top.
With the ball, Jack Edwards was the pick, claiming 2 for 27 from his four overs, but the total was never enough to apply real pressure. The Strikers chased it down with five balls to spare, chasing seven wickets. Sean Abbott is a long shot to return from a hamstring issue, which would be a welcome boost, but aside from his potential inclusion, the Sixers are unlikely to make any drastic changes as they look to rediscover their rhythm.
Match prediction
Despite the Thunder’s opening loss, this feels like a strong opportunity for them to bounce back. Their batting showed enough against Hobart to suggest they can run or chase winning scores, and their bowling unit is far more talented than what was on display in that first game. A sharper showing of the seams next to Sangha could quickly change the story.
The potential inclusion of David Warner is an important factor and should increase both the hitting and overall energy of the squad. The Sixers are a dangerous opponent even at 0-2, but because Babar is still looking for form and confidence, somewhat vulnerable, the Thunder seem to be in a good place at home. Add to that the fact that Sydney Thunder dominated this match the last time these two met, and there’s a chance the Thunder will win the Sydney Smash and get their season going.
Thunder to win
$2.00 (1.5 units)
BBL Thunder vs Sixers Prop Bet
Babar Azam introduces himself as a strong player for the Sydney Smash. He looked uncomfortable in the first two games of the season, scoring 2 and 9 as he struggled to pace and bounce on Australian surfaces. Beating the order against a Thunder attack that can apply early pressure, and with confidence clearly dented, this feels like a place where another modest return is more likely than a breakout innings.
Azam under 24.5 runs
$1.98
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