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The 33rd match of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024 features a battle between the table-toppers Sydney Thunder Women and the struggling Melbourne Stars Women. Sydney Thunder are in stellar form, sitting comfortably at the top with 11 points from eight matches and a healthy net run rate of 0.291. In stark contrast, Melbourne Stars Women are languishing at the bottom of the table with just 4 points from seven matches and a negative net run rate of -0.094. The Thunder will enter the game as favorites, while the Stars will be desperate to salvage their season with a much-needed victory.
| Tournament: | Womens Big Bash League, 2024 |
| Format: | t20 |
| Venue: | Drummoyne Oval, Drummoyne, Australia |
| Toss Prediction: | To Bowl |
Teams Preview
Sydney Thunder Women Preview
Sydney Thunder Women have been one of the most consistent teams this season. With just two matches left in the group stage, the Thunder will be keen to secure at least one win to solidify their position in the top two.
Batting Strengths:
- Georgia Voll: The opener has been sensational, scoring 288 runs in 8 innings at an average of 41.14 and a remarkable strike rate of 147.
- Phoebe Litchfield: The captain has been leading by example, amassing 251 runs at an average of 31.37.
Bowling Attack:
- Samantha Bates: The standout bowler for the Thunder, Bates has taken 17 wickets in 8 matches at an economy of 6.42, making her a potent weapon.
- Supporting Cast: Chamari Athapaththu, Shabnim Ismail, and Hannah Darlington have been consistent wicket-takers and form a balanced attack alongside Bates.
Key Players:
- Georgia Voll: A consistent performer at the top who can take the game away early.
- Phoebe Litchfield: A calm and reliable batter who anchors the innings and sets the tone for the team.
- Samantha Bates: A reliable wicket-taker who thrives under pressure.
Predicted Playing XI:
Georgia Voll, Chamari Athapaththu, Phoebe Litchfield (c), Georgia Adams, Anika Learoyd, Tahlia Wilson (wk), Sammy-Jo Johnson, Hannah Darlington, Taneale Peschel, Shabnim Ismail, Samantha Bates.
Melbourne Stars Women Preview
Melbourne Stars Women have endured a tough season, with just one win in seven matches. They must win all their remaining games and hope for other results to go their way to have a slim chance of making the playoffs.
Batting Concerns:
- Inconsistency: The Stars’ batting lineup has failed to deliver collectively, with no batter making significant contributions consistently.
- Yastika Bhatia: The only batter to show some form, scoring 154 runs in 6 innings at an average of 25. However, her strike rate of 105 is on the lower side for the T20 format.
Bowling Attack:
- Kim Garth: The leader of their bowling unit, Garth has 9 wickets in 7 matches at an economy of 6.61.
- Support Bowlers: Sophie Day, Marizanne Kapp, and Annabel Sutherland have chipped in with 19 wickets combined but lack the ability to deliver game-changing spells.
Key Players:
- Yastika Bhatia: Needs to anchor the innings and set a platform for the middle order.
- Kim Garth: The go-to bowler who can pick wickets at crucial stages.
- Annabel Sutherland: An all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.
Predicted Playing XI:
Yastika Bhatia (wk), Annabel Sutherland (c), Meg Lanning, Marizanne Kapp, Tess Flintoff, Rhys McKenna, Deepti Sharma, Kim Garth, Sasha Moloney, Maisy Gibson, Sophie Day.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
- Pitch Report:
The Drummoyne Oval pitch is traditionally good for batting, offering consistent bounce and pace. Seamers may enjoy the conditions early on, but the batters should dominate as the game progresses. Spinners may find some assistance as the pitch slows down in the second innings.- Average 1st Innings Score: 121 runs.
- Highest Total at Venue: 171-7 by Perth Scorchers Women in WBBL 2024.
- Weather Forecast:
The weather in Sydney is expected to be pleasant and breezy, with no rain interruptions forecast. Temperatures will hover around 17-22°C, providing ideal conditions for cricket. - Toss Prediction:
Teams chasing have won 13 of the 21 matches played at this venue, making it a chasing-friendly ground. Both captains are likely to opt to bowl first.
Winning Prediction
The Sydney Thunder Women are in top form this season and have shown consistency in all departments. Melbourne Stars Women, on the other hand, are struggling to find momentum and have been inconsistent in both batting and bowling. The Thunder’s well-rounded squad and superior form make them favorites for this clash.
Prediction: Sydney Thunder Women to win and strengthen their hold at the top of the table.
Fantasy Cricket Tips
- Captain: Georgia Voll
- Vice-Captain: Samantha Bates
- Top Picks: Phoebe Litchfield, Kim Garth, Chamari Athapaththu, Annabel Sutherland
- Differential Picks: Tess Flintoff, Sophie Day, Hannah Darlington
Suggested Fantasy XI:
- Georgia Voll (C)
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Chamari Athapaththu
- Yastika Bhatia
- Annabel Sutherland
- Kim Garth
- Samantha Bates (VC)
- Hannah Darlington
- Sophie Day
- Tess Flintoff
- Shabnim Ismail
Get ready for an exciting encounter as Sydney Thunder Women aim to maintain their top spot while Melbourne Stars Women fight to stay alive in the competition!
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