The two most successful teams of Australia T20 League will square off against each other on 6th February at Melbourne Cricket Ground. This all-important ‘Challenger’ clash will kick-start at 2:10 PM. The final showdown on February 8 will see the winner of the challenger battle competing against Sydney Sixers. Therefore, this encounter will be crucial for both the franchises in order to be featured in the grand finale for the titular face-off.
Melbourne Stars have had an amazing 2020 season as they have consistently been the most brilliant teams of this edition. They are currently leading the points table with 20 points, registering 10 wins out of 14 matches. Sydney Thunder, on the other hand, did not have a solid start but proceeded with much steady performance. Thunders have occupied fifth spot and won 6 matches on the trot of the league-stage. Moreover, they have sealed back-to-back victories in three matches. But Melbourne Stars has suffered two consecutive defeats in their previous games and will be eager to get back to the winning ways to enter the finals.
Pitch Report
The track at Melbourne Cricket Ground is known to be a smooth batting surface. It is also expected to offer a good balance between bat and ball. Keeping the previous records in mind, the side winning the toss will more likely opt to bat as chasing at this venue can be a difficult task here.
Weather Conditions
It will be partly cloudy throughout the day as temperature is likely to hover around 17 to 26 degree Celsius. Rain gods will show mercy on the pitch as there is only a slight chance (10%) of precipitation with 63% of humidity levels.
Probable Playing XI
Melbourne Stars
Marcus Stoinis, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell (C), Peter Handscomb (WK), Ben Dunk, Nick Larkin, Daniel Worrall, Sandeep Lamichhane, Adam Zampa, Clint Hinchliffe, Dilbar Hussain/Nathan Coulter-Nile
Sydney Thunder
Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (c), Alex Ross, Chris Morris, Daniel Sams, Arjun Nair, Jay Lenton (w), Chris Tremain, Jonathan Cook, Brendan Doggett, Liam Bowe, Nathan McAndrew
Key Players
Melbourne Stars
Marcus Stoinis
Glenn Maxwell
Sydney Thunder
Alex Hales
Callum Ferguson
