Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder BBL tips & preview | 28/12/24

Stars vs Thunder best bets

Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder match preview

The Melbourne Stars continue to chase their first win of the BBL season as they face the Sydney Thunder this Saturday in Canberra.

The troubles continued for the Melbourne Stars on Boxing Day as they lost to the Sydney Sixers by eight wickets with 11 balls to spare. Despite setting a season-high score of 194, the Stars’ bowling attack struggled, taking just two wickets as the Sixers chased down the score with ease. In some positive news Ben Duckett (68 offf 29) and Glenn Maxwell (32 off 17) impressed with the bat.

Expect changes in the bowling attack for the next game with the likes of Mark Steketee, Joel Paris and Brody Couch in the wings. Off-spinner Doug Warren and Jonathan Merlo are the likely omissions. Meanwhile, all-rounder Beau Webster may be included if he is released from the Test squad.

The Thunder haven’t played since last Saturday, where they also lost to the Sydney Sixers in a last-ball thriller. Led by Cameron Bancroft’s 70* off 52 balls, the Thunder set a score of 163 on a tough wicket. However, they just couldn’t restrict the Sixers who chased down the total five wickets down.

With a record of 1-1, the Thunder are expected to get back on track this week as they are slight favourites with top BBL bookmakers at $1.80, while the Stars are at $2.05.

Just one forced change for the Thunder in this clash as Australian Test opener Sam Konstas leaves the squad. Expect Cameron Bancroft to shift up the order, while batsman Jason Sangha is the expected change.

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Stars v Thunder betting predictions

Given the Stars have lost all four of their games so far in this tournament, its hard to see them turning their form around now. The Thunder have an excellent all-round squad and their batting should be far too strong for the weak Melbourne attack. Sydney won their opening match in Canberra, so back them to win at the venue once again.

English opener Ben Duckett is the most dangerous threat in the Stars batting lineup. He brings a wealth of international experience and is coming off 68 against the Sixers. With the rest of the side struggling so far this tournament, back Duckett to lead the Stars at $3.50 with top cricket bookmakers.

Expected to move up to open the batting for the Thunder, Cameron Bancroft will play the anchor role throughout the innings. Last season when opening, he had a strike rate of just 114, but he scored the second-most runs in the team. Coming off 70 not out in his last game, back Bancroft to score 30 or more runs at $2.15 with leading betting apps.

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