FANTASY
Follow UsWe have moved to the playoffs stage of the tournament. Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers, by the virtue of occupying the top two spots in the points table, will clash in the Qualifier and have the first shot at a spot in the final. The contest will take place at Manuka Oval in Canberra.
Ground Details and Team Combination
Canberra’s Manuka Oval last hosted a BBL game 11 days ago when Hobart Hurricanes defeated Sydney Thunder in Match 43. The venue has witnessed 10 games this season which has brought runs at 8.4 per over, second only to Carrara Oval. But wickets have also come at a fairly decent rate - 17.8 balls apiece - the second-best amongst venues with five games or more this season. Hence, bowlers can also vouch a place, especially with the Scorchers - who are one of the best bowling sides in the history of the tournament - in contention.
Spinners have done a decent amount of bowling at the Manuka Oval, picking nearly 41 percent of the wickets here. However, a closer look suggests that both these sides have been heavily dependent on their pacers to make inroads for them. The Scorchers have taken only 16 of their 85 wickets with spin, while for the Sixers, the number is 23 out of 68. Hence, spinners don’t find a place in our suggested XI.
Suggested Team
While you could go for the above team, you also have the option of choosing your own team from Cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. Based on algorithms we come up with six different teams that could fetch crucial points.
CAPTAIN SUGGESTION
Jhye Richardson is the highest wicket-taker this season and that too, by a distance. He has picked 27 wickets in 14 games - almost two wickets per game which in itself justifies us in suggesting him as your captain. Only once he has been wicketless. The 24-year old has carried the Scorchers pace attack to the playoffs and will play a major role at the business end of the tournament.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Richardson could take 1-2 wickets in this match.
X-FACTORS
During his 46 not out against Melbourne Stars in Match 50, Ricky Ponting stated that this season has been the best he has seen Colin Munro bat and it is tough to disagree with the Australian great. The Kiwi batsman has scored 411 runs, averaging 34.3. His new approach of mixing caution with aggression has paid dividends, allowing Munro to score four fifties in the season.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Munro could score 13-36 runs in this match.
Jordan Silk has been a revelation for the Sixers this year. Prior to this tournament, he had a T20 strike-rate of 119 and an average of 28.5. In the ongoing season, he has made 365 runs, averaging 36.5 with his strike-rate surging up to 144.3. He is, in fact, one of the best middle-order batsmen in this competition. Since he bats at five, he is available at lower credits than others which also allows you to pick other star players in your XI. But you may have to compromise on Moises Henriques who has also appeared in good touch.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Silk could score 11-28 runs in this match.
Ben Dwarshuis has found his mojo since returning from injury. In his first eight games, Dwarshuis had 11 wickets but went wicketless on three occasions. In the last three games, he has eight scalps to his name at 13 runs per wicket. He is back bowling at the death as well, putting him in a better position to fetch points for your side.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Dwarshuis could take 1-2 wickets in this match.
