The two Sydney heavyweights take on each other in the reverse derby clash of Australia T20 League 2020-21. Sydney-T and Sydney-S both are in terrific form, and both would aim for a top-two finish ahead of the playoffs.
Match Timings: Jan 22, 1:45 PM IST
Team Preview
Sydney-T and Sydney-S will face each other for the second time, and this clash will also decide the mood of the playoffs. At the current stage, both are good contenders to top the table, but marginally, it will depend on other teams’ results. The first derby clash in Canberra went in favour of defending champions, and it was a rain-affected affair. The title defense is going strong for Sydney-S, and now, Moises Henriques might also be available who was busy in Test duty. Stand-in captain, Daniel Hughes has led this side brilliantly, and we won’t be surprised if Henriques continues with Hughes as skipper. After winning the first derby clash in Manuka Oval, Sydney-S edged past Perth, who were coming off a 5-matches winning streak. After poor bowling in the first 10 overs, Sydney-S bounced back and conceded just 60 runs in the last 10 overs.
Chasing the target of 164, Josh Philippe and James Vince roared high with quick half-centuries. They chased down the target, with seven balls spare, and moved to the top of the table. The collective performance is creating a big impact for them, and with the inspiring captain Henriques, Sydney-S can look for another title.Josh Philippe is now the leading run-scorer of the season, with 421 runs at an average of 38.27. Captain has scored 282 runs, and Vince has contributed 255 runs so far. The batting unit is compact, and they have good depth in it. They also found a good bowling option in Brathwaite, who troubled batsmen with the pace. He bagged 13 wickets at an average of 17.15. Daniel Christian is providing a big role in the absence of Henriques. He has picked 12 wickets and also scored 182 runs this season. Steve Smith will also be back in action for the first time this season. Sydney-S are the firm favourites, and they would eye to seal the playoff qualification on Friday night.
Meanwhile, Sydney-T are also a top unit, and they have got their team combination perfect. Top-order was out of the form in the first couple of games, but it’s an old story now. Defeats in the last two matches hurt its goal for the top two finish. After the derby defeat, Hobart also overcame Sydney-T in Canberra, and they moved to fourth in the table. They posted a formidable total of 177 at Manuka Oval, but bowlers couldn’t defend this total. They got Hobart’s openers in the first three overs but waited for the breakthrough. McDermott and Malan did big damage, and Hobart finished the chase with two overs left. Ferguson’s troops had a positive campaign this edition, and no doubt, they will also clear the qualification game considering the recent form.
Sam Billings came out as a big player in middle-overs, but lack of intent from the bowlers troubled Sydney-T's points-table game. Billings has played two good knocks this season, but unfortunately, both came in a losing cause. Alex Hales has got 352 runs at an average of 32, and on the other side, Khawaja and Ferguson have also notched up 250 plus runs from 11 matches. The batting unit is the heart of this team, and they can challenge any side with this powerful batting. They need to add some improvement in bowling. Daniel Sams failed to replicate last season’s glory. Tanveer Sangha is a good talent, and he has scalped 18 wickets this season. Chris Green has added depth in middle-overs. It should be a cracking game of cricket, but Sydney-S is slightly ahead on paper.
Pitch Report
Adelaide’s track is good for batting, and it has a little bit of help for the spinners. Chasing would be tricky in big scores, but overall, batsmen will have a good time on this surface.
Possible XI
Sydney-S
Josh Philippe (wk), Justin Avendano/Steve Smith, James Vince, Daniel Hughes (c), Jordan Silk, Daniel Christian, Carlos Brathwaite/Moises Henriques, Steve OKeefe, Jackson Bird, Jake Ball, Lloyd Pope
Sydney-T
Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (c), Sam Billings (wk), Daniel Sams, Oliver Davies, Ben Cutting, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green, Adam Milne, Tanveer Sangha
Key Players
Sydney-S
Josh Philippe
Season so far – M: 11, Runs: 421, Avg: 38.27
Daniel Christian
Season so far – M: 11, Runs: 182, Wickets: 12
Sydney-T
Alex Hales
Season so far – M: 11, Runs: 352, Avg: 32
Tanveer Sangha
Season so far – M: 11, Wickets: 18, Avg: 15.94
