Thunder v Strikers BBL tips, odds & value bets – Jan 2, 2022

Having met 48 hours prior on New Year’s Eve, the Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers are set to battle it out once again, this time at the Sydney Showgrounds in the BBL.

The Sydney Thunder pulled off somewhat of a New Year’s Eve miracle when toppling the Strikers, with four of their players being ruled out on the day due to contracting Covid-19. Alex Hales, Alex Ross and Tanveer Sangha were all ruled out due to the health and safety protocols, but led by a breathtaking innings from Jason Sangha, the Thunder left Adelaide as winners. Sangha compiled an unbeaten 91 off 55 balls, with six fours and six sixes. With the likes of Hales and Ross on the sidelines, it will be left to the likes of Sangha and Sam Billings in the middle order to provide the spark for a weakened Thunder batting lineup.

Needing to defend 187, it was Daniel Sams (4/33) and Saqib Mahmood (2/35) who were the chief destroyers for the Thunder striking on regular occasions. Despite the loss of leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, captain Chris Green (0/20) kept things tight with his little off spinners and if they wish to repeat the result of Friday night’s clash, then they will need a similarly strong performance from their bowling attack.

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Considering the Adelaide Strikers have lost five of their last six matches, they will be needing a sharp form reversal considering they could not get the job done 48 hours prior against an undermanned Thunder. Despite boasting international bowlers like Peter Siddle, Fawad Ahmed, Rashid Khan and Daniel Worrall, getting whacked for 187 whilst only picking up three poles just is not a recipe for success. We expect to see an improved effort on Sunday night from the Strikers bowlers.

When setting a platform of 1/90, it is simply unacceptable to then be restricted to 6/165 on a flat track at Adelaide. The short boundaries straight down the ground at the Sydney Showgrounds will help the likes of Matt Short, Jake Weatherald and Matt Renshaw to provide a similar platform for the Strikers middle-lower order to build from.

It is no surprised to see the Sydney Thunder $1.62 favourites in Big Bash betting, whilst the Adelaide Strikers are $2.30 outsiders following a poor run of form in BBL11.

Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers betting tips

Sydney Thunder to win

Despite losing four players to the Covid-19 protocols, the Sydney Thunder should still have too much power for this underperforming Strikers outfit. With the enigmatic duo of Daniel Sams and Sam Billings in the middle order, the Thunder have the power to go with the finesse of Jason Sangha to prove a handful for Adelaide. If Sams and Saqib Mahmood can make early in roads with the ball as well, then it looks to be a tricky night ahead for Adelaide in Sydney.

To Take 2+ Wickets: Saqib Mahmood

English international Saqib Mahmood has been a more than handy pickup for the Thunder this season with nine wickets in his four games in BBL11. Those nine wickets are coming at a tick under 14 and has shown his ability with the new ball and during the middle overs as well. He regular bowls above 140km/h and if he can get the new ball swinging early, then we expect Mahmood to take a couple of wickets on his way to helping the Thunder to another win.