2020-21 Big Bash League – Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder taking place? Friday 1st January, 2021 – 08:15 (UK)
Where is Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder taking place? Metricon Stadium, Carrara
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder? Ticket information for BBL10 can be found on this link
What channel is Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder on in the UK? BT Sport
Where can I stream Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder in the UK? BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
MELBOURNE RENEGADES
- Melbourne Renegades put in a much better display following a huge loss to Sydney Thunder as they pushed reigning champions Sydney Sixers all the way but they ultimately suffered heartbreak having worked themselves into a position to win that contest.
- Aaron Finch (39) and Shaun Marsh (67) combined for an opening-wicket partnership of 75 to give the Renegades a good platform to build from as they posted 168/6 to give the Sixers a challenging total to chase.
- The Melbourne outfit looked to have done enough for the win but Jason Holder cracked 16 in the final over to edge the victory for the Sixers which will be tough to swallow for the Renegades but their performance does at least give them hope of turning their poor form around.
SYDNEY THUNDER
- Sydney Thunder made it four wins in a row as they produced a magnificent display to overcome Melbourne Stars and their effort with both bat and ball in that triumph has propelled them right into contention to win BBL|10.
- After destroying Melbourne Renegades in their previous encounter, the Thunder topped 200 runs for the second time in succession as they posted 219/7 in what was their highest-ever Big Bash League score with Alex Hales standing out with a superb 71 from just 29 balls.
- The Thunder knew they had to match that effort with the ball as the Stars boast the strike-power to chase down their big target but led by Chris Green’s 4-34, the Sydney side did a superb job to ensure they ran out comfortable victors by 75 runs.
THE PREDICTION
Sydney Thunder have recorded two massive back-to-back wins and they look like going deep in this tournament with quality throughout their line-up. Alex Hales produced his best knock of the tournament so far with 71 against a dangerous Melbourne Stars outfit while skipper Callum Ferguson scored his third half-century in five matches. To dismantle the Stars as they did was extremely eye-catching and if the Thunder can maintain that level of performance, they will prove very difficult to beat. They now go in search of a fifth consecutive win and will believe they can do so against Melbourne Renegades, a side that have lost their last four and one they tore apart in their last meeting. They were much-improved against Sydney Sixers last time out but the manner of that loss with just one ball to spare will hurt them and it will also take a lot to overturn their recent heavy loss. The in-form Thunder will be confident of another repeat performance and they should be able to extend their winning streak.
