We take a closer look at the thrilling opening match of BBL07 where the Sydney Thunder face off against the Sydney Sixers at the iconic Spotless Stadium.
The seventh season of the KFC Big Bash League kicks off with an electrifying Sydney Derby, pitting the Sydney Thunder against the Sydney Sixers at Spotless Stadium.
Last season was a tale of two very different stories for these teams. The Thunder struggled hard, finishing last on the ladder, while the Sixers made an impressive run to the final, only to be edged out by the Scorchers.
Match Details
Thunder vs Sixers | Tuesday 19 December | Spotless Stadium, Sydney | 10:40
Match Odds:
Thunder 91/100 | Tie 35/1 | Sixers 91/100
Sydney Thunder
After a rough patch in last year’s Big Bash, the Sydney Thunder are eager to bounce back. With just 3 wins from their 8 matches last season, they finished disappointingly at the bottom.
The squad has revamped with key signings like Callum Ferguson and Jos Buttler, who bring invaluable experience to the batting lineup — a much-needed boost after struggling without Andre Russell and Shane Watson last season.
Russell remains banned due to a doping case, while Watson’s availability depends on his fitness this season. If he stays fit, expect him to be a significant contributor, although his bowling may be limited to preserve his form and health.
On the bowling front, Fawad Ahmed and Mitchell McClenaghan are the Thunder’s key strike weapons. Ahmed’s wrist-spin has been particularly effective in past tournaments, and McClenaghan brings solid experience from his stints with Mumbai Indians and New Zealand.
Adding to the attack is Clint Mackay, who enters this tournament with great confidence after topping the wicket charts in the NatWest T20 Blast, claiming 23 wickets in 12 matches. His skill in home conditions is expected to be a huge asset for the Thunder.
Sydney Sixers
While the odds seem fairly even, pundits generally give a slight edge to the Sixers. However, the team relies heavily on a few star players and may face challenges if those players don’t hit form early on.
Moises Henriques will be crucial for the Sixers. The dynamic all-rounder from Portugal was impressive last season, scoring 263 runs across 10 matches at an average of 29.22.
Much attention centres on the return of Jason Roy, a marquee overseas player. Despite his reputation, Roy’s inconsistent performances globally in T20 cricket raise some doubts. His usual pattern of delivering one strong innings every few games will need to shift if the Sixers hope to capitalise on his talent within this limited run.
Leading the Sixers’ bowling attack are Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis, with Jackson Bird on standby for the Australian Test team, due to Mitchell Starc’s injury.
Coaching decisions around spin bowlers Steve O’Keefe and Johan Botha remain to be seen. Coach Greg Shipperd might opt for Botha, valuing his batting ability to provide late innings firepower, especially if the top order struggles.
Our Verdict: Sydney Thunder 91/100
The Thunder have smartly bolstered their squad with exciting new flair and solid experience. The balanced mix of Watson, Buttler, Ahmed, McClenaghan, and Mackay should give Sydney Thunder a strong shot at making a big impact this season.
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