Melbourne Stars vs. Sydney Sixers: A Clash of Titans in BBL|13
Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers meet for the second time this season in a match filled with high stakes as finals near
Introduction
The cricket fever is reaching its zenith as Melbourne Stars gear up to face Sydney Sixers in Match 28 of the Big Bash League 13. With the finals looming, both teams are locked in a battle that could shape their destiny in the tournament. Let’s delve into the key aspects of this high-stakes encounter.
Match Facts
– Teams and Venue
Who: Melbourne Stars vs. Sydney Sixers What: Match 28, BBL|13 Where: MCG, Melbourne When: Saturday, January 6, 6.30pm local AEDT (Bat flip), 7.15pm AEDT (First ball) How to watch: Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports Buy tickets: Tickets are on sale here Live scores: Match Centre
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– Officials
Greg Davidson (field), Ben Treloar (field), Paul Wilson (third), Daryl Brigham (fourth), David Johnston (match referee)
Match Squads
– Melbourne Stars
- Glenn Maxwell (c)
- Scott Boland
- Hilton Cartwright
- Nathan Coulter-Nile
- Peter Handscomb
- Nick Larkin
- Dan Lawrence (England)
- Jono Merlo
- Joel Paris
- Corey Rocchiccioli
- Tom Rogers
- Mark Steketee
- Marcus Stoinis
- Imad Wasim (Pakistan)
- Beau Webster
Stars wicketkeeper Sam Harper won’t play at the MCG after being struck by a ball during Friday training, resulting in hospitalization. Without a backup wicketkeeper, the Stars have signed former player Peter Handscomb.
– Sydney Sixers
- Moises Henriques (c)
- Sean Abbott
- Jackson Bird
- Tom Curran (England)
- Joel Davies
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Jack Edwards
- Daniel Hughes
- Hayden Kerr
- Todd Murphy
- Stephen O’Keefe
- Kurtis Patterson
- Mitch Perry
- Josh Philippe
- Jordan Silk
- James Vince (England)
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Form Guide
– Melbourne Stars
The Stars have found their groove with four wins in a row after a poor start to the season where they lost their first three games. A dominant win over cross-town rival Melbourne Renegades at the MCG has set the stage for a strong finish.
– Sydney Sixers
The Sixers have faced a recent slump, with their last four games featuring losses on either side of back-to-back draws. However, a fresh and energized side is expected to face the Stars after defeating Brisbane Heat in their last game.
Players to Watch
– Marcus Stoinis
Had an innings to remember in the New Year’s Eve clash, steering the Stars to victory with an unbeaten 55 off 19 deliveries alongside Beau Webster. A key player to watch.
– Glenn Maxwell
One of the standout performers of the BBL|13, Maxwell’s electric form in the Melbourne derby, where he launched an unbeaten 32 from 15 deliveries, makes him a player who demands attention.
– Scott Boland
Returning to Melbourne ahead of the Stars match, Boland, released from the Australian Test squad, is set to bring his fiery pace to the BBL arena.
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– James Vince
Sublime in the last encounter with 83 from 55 deliveries, Vince, though inconsistent this campaign, remains a potent threat at the top of the Sixers order alongside Josh Philippe.
Top Performers | KFC BBL|13
- Adelaide Strikers
- Matt Short: 351 runs
- Adelaide Strikers
- Chris Lynn: 267 runs
- Perth Scorchers
- Aaron Hardie: 251 runs
- Melbourne Renegades
- Jake Fraser-McGurk: 215 runs
- Sydney Thunder
- Cameron Bancroft: 202 runs
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Head-to-Head
Overall: Stars (8 wins), Sixers (13 wins)
At MCG: Stars (4 wins), Sixers (5 wins)
Most runs: Glenn Maxwell (688), Moises Henriques (483), James Vince (383), Josh Philippe (353), Marcus Stoinis (341)
Most wickets: Sean Abbott (19), Ben Dwarshuis (18), Steve O’Keefe (18), Adam Zampa (13), Glenn Maxwell (11)
Venue Statistics
The Melbourne Stars defeated the Sydney Sixers by four wickets when they last met in the BBL (26 December 2023), snapping a nine-match losing run against them.
Rapid Stats
- The Sydney Sixers have lost each of their last two BBL matches, as many defeats as they logged across their 11 games in the competition prior to that span (W9L2).
- The Sydney Sixers have taken exactly two wickets during the death overs (17th-20th) in each of their last four BBL innings; the Sixers have logged at least one wicket during this period across their last 13 innings in the competition against the Melbourne Stars (21 wickets in total).
- Sean Abbott (99) and Steve O’Keefe (99) are both one away from reaching 100 appearances in the BBL for the Sydney Sixers.
- Marcus Stoinis (97) is three away from becoming the second player to hit 100 sixes for the Melbourne Stars in BBL history (Glenn Maxwell – 114).
What’s on the Line?
Despite rough form patches, a win could propel either side to the top of the BBL standings, while a loss could jeopardize their top-four position.
Conclusion
In the twilight of the BBL|13, the clash between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers promises cricket fans a spectacle of skills, determination, and strategic brilliance. As the players take the field at the iconic MCG, the stakes are high, and every run and wicket could tip the scales in favor of one of these cricketing titans.
FAQs
- Is Sam Harper expected to return after being struck during training?
- Unfortunately, Sam Harper won’t be playing at the MCG, having been struck in the head during training.
- Who are the top performers in KFC BBL|13 so far?
- The top scorers include Matt Short, Chris Lynn, and Aaron Hardie, while Sean Abbott leads in wickets.
- Why is Scott Boland returning to Melbourne ahead of the match against Sixers?
- Scott Boland is returning after being released from the Australian Test squad and is set to boost the Stars’ bowling attack.
- What’s at stake for both teams in this encounter?
- A win could place either team at the top