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Sydney Sixers visit bottom of the table Melbourne Stars as the sides meet for the second time since Christmas in this game. Third-placed Sixers are favourites with odds of 8/11 (1.73) and we expect them to win.
These odds from Bet365 were correct at the time of writing.
- Match 31, BBL 2022-23
- Friday January 6th, from 07:30 AM GMT
- Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Contents
This is the third game at the MCG in BBL12 with the winners in both of the previous games batting first after losing the toss. We have seen a range of scores from 183-5 to 108-9 and it will need a big individual innings for both teams if they are to make the highest total of the season at the ground. Pace bowlers have outperformed the spinners at this venue and we expect this to continue.
It will be a warm and cloudless evening in Melbourne with the temperature no lower than 20 degrees even after the sun has set.
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers – Match Predictions
The Stars have won only two of seven matches in this year’s BBL and come up against a Sydney Sixers team who have beaten them in the last eight clashes between the sides. Although the Sixers have not won either of their last two matches, we expect them to come out on top at the MCG.
Prediction 1
Sixers to Hit Most Sixes
Evens (2.00)
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Odds from
Prediction 2
Dwarshuis to Take Most Wickets for Sixers
7/2 (4.50)
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Odds from
Prediction 3
Vince to Be Man of the Match
8/1 (9.00)
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Odds from
Probable 6s
Although they have some big-hitting players in their side, Melbourne Stars produced only one six in the Melbourne derby on Tuesday. That six came from Trent Boult, batting at number 10, and we expect Sydney Sixers, who hit 10 sixes in their last innings, to clear the ropes more than the Stars.
Our Prediction: Sydney Sixers to Hit Most Sixes
Probable Wickets
Although Sydney Sixers have a strong bowling attack with plenty of variations and options, left-arm pace bowler Ben Dwarshuis has picked up wickets in each of the last four matches. Spinner Steve O’Keefe took 3-26 on Wednesday but, with spinners playing second fiddle to pace bowlers at the MCG so far in the tournament, we do not expect him to be as effective in this match.
Our Prediction: Ben Dwarshuis to Be the Highest Wicket Taker for Sydney Sixers
Man of the Match
James Vince has either top scored or shared the top score for Sydney Sixers in each of their last two games and we have seen the right-handed top order batter improve as the tournament has progressed. Although he is yet to reach the heights of the 2020-21 season when he struck four half-centuries and 537 runs in total, there are signs that he is returning to his dominant best.
Our Prediction: James Vince to Be the Man of the Match
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers Preview
Both teams in the upcoming Stars vs Sixers duel are at full strength, with no new players going down with injuries or called up to international sides. So, let’s check both teams out in more detail now:
Melbourne Stars
The Stars had a New Year’s Eve win over Adelaide Strikers but got 2023 off to a disappointing start with a 33 run defeat against their city rivals in Match 27. They are four points behind Melbourne Renegades in fourth place but can not afford to lose any more ground.
The top four in the batting order produced only 15 runs on Tuesday and that is an area which must improve if they are to be competitive in this match.
Playing XI: Joe Clarke (wk), Thomas Rogers, Beau Webster, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Luke Wood, Trent Boult, Adam Zampa (c)
Sydney Sixers
The Sixers had won four successive matches before the turn of the year, but 2023 has brought a defeat to Brisbane Heat at the Gabba, followed by a no-result in the return fixture three days later.
The bowling attack of O’Keefe, Jordan, Abbott, Dwarshuis and Kerr is extremely well balanced and we expect them to be too good for Melbourne Stars’ batters. Josh Phillipe, James Vince and Jordan Silk are the key batters for the Sixers, and all three will be looking to step up and play a match-winning innings at the MCG.
Playing XI: Josh Philippe (wk), James Vince, Daniel Hughes, Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Dan Christian, Hayden Kerr, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Chris Jordan, Steve O’Keefe
How to Watch Big Bash in the UK: Live Streaming & Channel List
Every ball of this match will be available live on Sky Sports Cricket. If you are on the move, you will be able to follow and stream the action on Sky Go application.
- Sky Sports Cricket (TV)
- SkyGo app (Streaming)
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