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Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Renegades BBL Preview: Renegades bank on historical record

By Sridhar Bhamidi

23 Dec 2020

Sridhar Bhamidi 23 Dec 2020

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Sydney Thunder host Melbourne Renegades in Match #14 of BBL 10 on Boxing Day
This match will be played at Manuka Oval in Canberra
Melbourne Renegades have won seven of the last eight matches against Sydney Thunder
Shaun Marsh has been the Renegades’ top batsman twice in BBL 10

Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades BBL

Shaun Marsh will be key for the Renegades against the Thunder (Getty Images)

Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades will light up Boxing Day festivities in the Big Bash League when they meet in match #14 at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

The Thunder are fifth with seven points from three matches with two wins and a loss. Encouragingly for the Thunder, the wins came in their last two matches. For the Renegades, the season started with a win, but tapered down with two back-to-back losses. They have four points and are sixth in the points tally.

Sydney Thunder Form

Sydney Thunder have relied on captain Callum Ferguson for their runs and he already has 115 runs (Avg. 57.5, SR 125.00) to his name. The impressive debut of Oliver Davies, who stuck 36 from 22 balls against Perth Scorchers gives them more ammunition.

Everyone chipped with wickets for the Thunder, but it is Daniel Sams (five wickets, ER 8.72) who has been leading the charge. The young leggie Tanveer Sangha (three wickets, ER 7.41) has been the surprise element, though.

Sydney Thunder News

The impressive debut of Davies with the bat and Adam Milne with the ball gives coach Shane Bond a bit of selection headache. Alex Ross could be back fit again, which may even mean a bench role for Davies.

Melbourne Renegades Form

The Renegades looked out of sorts against the Sixers and the Hurricanes in their last two matches. The experienced Shaun Marsh and Rilee Rossouw aren’t exactly pulling their weight which is a big concern. Both have aggregated 76 runs each in the season so far.

The emergence of leg-spinner Peter Hatzoglou (four wickets, ER 8.62) has been the biggest positive for the Renegades’ bowling unit so far. Kane Richardson and Josh Lalor have picked up five wickets each but at a price – ER of 8.67 and 10.25 respectively.

Melbourne Renegades News

Captain Aaron Finch should return back from the short leave granted after the first match. His return should strengthen the side, as they look to maximize the presence of their Afghan superstar Mohammad Nabi.

Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Renegades Head-to-Head

Melbourne Renegades have a 9-2 advantage over Sydney Thunder in all BBL matches. That includes winning seven of their last eight matches against the Thunder.

Last season saw the two teams share the spoils with the Renegades winning at this venue by 12 runs (D/L method) while the Thunder prevailed in the reverse fixture by six wickets.

Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Renegades Match Up

The Thunder are right now in the best of form, but the Renegades will be boosted by the return of their captain. It will be interesting to see if Finch’s return will open Shaun Marsh up and get him back to scoring form. Batting will be crucial for both sides, although the Thunder’s overall bowling attack gives them a balanced outlook.

Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Renegades Stats

Sydney Thunder have lost all their five designated home matches against Melbourne Renegades including two at Manuka Oval.
Daniel Sams has been Sydney Thunder’s best bowler once and best batsman once in BBL 10.
Melbourne Renegades have won seven of the last eight matches against Sydney Thunder.
Melbourne Renegades have batted first and won five of their last six matches against Sydney Thunder.
Shaun Marsh has been the Renegades’ top batsman twice in BBL 10.

Prediction

Recent record favours Melbourne Renegades against Sydney Thunder including their record at this venue. The return of Aaron Finch further extends their chances as they look to continue their stranglehold over the Thunder. The addition of Milne has given a sharp edge to the Thunder, who also have a number of individual match winners in their camp. It could be an interesting tussle for four points, one that could be decided by the top-order batsmen.

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