Dec 26: Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Renegades, Canberra
Pro Tip: The Thunder won their last game, against the struggling Perth Scorchers, while the Renegades lost to table-toppers Hobart Hurricanes. With Aaron Finch back in the mix for them, expect the Renegades to lift their game. Suggestion - pick more Renegades players.
Our XI: Sam Harper, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson, Ben Cutting, Daniel Sams, Adam Milne, Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, Mohammad Nabi, Peter Hatzoglou, Kane Richardson
Substitutes: Oliver Davies, Usman Khawaja, Imad Wasim, Rilee Rossouw
Player availability: Imad Wasim is likely to be available for the Thunder after completing his commitments for Pakistan in New Zealand. And Sam Billings has a 50-50 chance of being available for this game according to Thunder skipper Ferguson. We might not always be able to tip you off about late injury (or other relevant) updates, so please finalise your team after the toss
Captain: Aaron Finch
The Renegades skipper is back after a break, and needs to inspire his side to a win (or three). Finch hasn't ever been dismissed by any of the current Thunder bowlers, and has scored 117 runs in 76 balls at a strike rate of 153.94 against them overall.
Vice-captain: Callum Ferguson
Ferguson has made up for the lack of form on the part of his openers well, scoring a couple of 50-plus scores in BBL 10. At Manuka Oval, he has scored 150 runs in six games at a strike rate of 142.86.
Hot Picks
Shaun Marsh: Marsh started the tournament well with a 47-ball 62 but hasn't carried that form forward. This game against the Thunder will be the perfect opportunity for him, as he has been prolific against them with 293 runs in seven games at an average of 58.60 and a strike rate of 140.19. In the two games he has played at this venue, he recorded scores of 47 and 73.
Mohammad Nabi: Nabi had a stellar BBL 09, scoring 160 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 160 and picking up five wickets. Recently, he had got a five-for in the CPL 2020 too. After not making much impact in the last game, we'll back him to do well this time.
Daniel Sams: The pick of BBL 09, Sams was outstanding the other day, picking up 2 for 32 and hitting a 25-ball 65* - if he repeats either of those, he will earn good points.
Differential Picks
Adam Milne: Milne, returning after an ankle injury, did well in his comeback game against Perth Scorchers, with none for 17 from his four overs. He consistently clocked 140-plus and did not concede a single boundary in his spell.
Alex Hales: After a couple of ducks, Hales must be hoping to make a big impact in this game, especially being the only overseas batting option available now for the Thunder. He was the second-highest scorer in BBL 09 with 576 runs in 17 games and started this season with a fine 41-ball 46.
Alternate Scenarios
- If Peter Hatzoglou is not playing, Imad Wasim or Rilee Rossouw can replace him.
- Shaun Marsh is a good vice-captain option too considering his numbers against this opposition and the venue.