Match Details:
The 45th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2020-21 will be played between Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.
The match is scheduled to start at 7:15 PM local time (1:45 PM IST) and it will be streamed live on Sony Sports Network and also in Sony Liv.
Preview:
Around a week or so ago, Melbourne Stars’ semi-final qualification hopes were looking slim. However, two consecutive wins have provided them with a place in the top 4. They are currently placed fourth with 5 wins from 11 games. However, they are tied with two other teams on the same points and will ideally prefer a comfortable cushion.
A cushion is something they will be able to build if they beat their local rivals Melbourne Renegades tomorrow. The Reds have had a horrendous season, having won only 2 of their 11 games. They were no match to their rivals in the last Melbourne Derby, and given how they are playing currently, it is unlikely that the last-placed side will be able to paint Melbourne in red.
REN vs STA Weather Report for Match 45:
The weather will be sunny in Melbourne tomorrow, with the temperature being around 22 °C even during the evening. The chances of rain are only 10%.
Pitch Condition/Report:
The pitch here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has played out neutrally, where both bowlers and batsmen have found success when they have executed their gameplans to perfection. A score of around 170 should be competitive here.
Average first innings score:
165 (2 BBL 2020/21 played on this venue)
Record of chasing teams:
Won – 1, Lost – 1, Tie – 0
Injury and Availability News:
Andre Fletcher suffered an injury in the last game, but he has recovered from that and is likely to feature in this match.
REN vs STA Today’s Probable Playing XIs:
Melbourne Renegades
Mackenzie Harvey, Shaun Marsh, Aaron Finch, Sam Harper (wk), Will Sutherland, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Beau Webster, Imad Wasim, Kane Richardson, Peter Hatzoglou, Noor Ahmad
Bench:
Jack Prestwidge, Brayden Stepien, Brody Couch, Zak Evans, Jon Holland, Josh Lalor, Mitchell Perry
Melbourne Stars
Marcus Stoinis, Andre Fletcher, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (c), Nic Maddinson, Hilton Cartwright, Seb Gotch (wk), Adam Zampa, Billy Stanlake, Zahir Khan, Sam Rainbird
Bench:
Edward J Newman, Liam Hatcher, Ben Dunk, Clint Hinchliffe, Lance Morris, Tom O Connell, Jackson Coleman
REN vs STA Top Picks for Today’s Dream11 Match:
Glenn Maxwell has struggled with consistency, but he is a case of ‘when it rains, it pours.’ He has scored 312 runs and has picked up 7 wickets.
Marcus Stoinis has bowled only one over, but he has been consistently scoring runs as an opener for the Stars. He has scored 333 runs at an average of over 35 and a strike rate of nearly 145.
Adam Zampa is in scintillating form with the ball for the Stars. He has picked up 18 wickets and has maintained an economy rate of under 7 runs per over.
Shaun Marsh has been one of the few consistent performers for the Renegades. He has scored 271 runs at an average of over 30 and a strike rate of over 130.
For Melbourne Renegades, Kane Richardson has been the best performer with the ball. He has picked up 15 wickets and has an economy rate of 8 runs per over.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain Options – Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell
Vice-Captain Options – Shaun Marsh, Adam Zampa
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for REN vs STA Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Sam Harper
Batters – Shaun Marsh, Andre Fletcher, Aaron Finch, Nick Larkin
All-Rounders – Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell (C)
Bowlers – Peter Hatzoglou, Will Sutherland, Zahir Khan, Adam Zampa (VC)
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for REN vs STA Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Sam Harper
Batters – Mackenzie Harvey, Shaun Marsh (VC), Hilton Cartwright, Andre Fletcher
All-Rounders – Imad Wasim, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis (C)
Bowlers – Billy Stanlake, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa
Expert Advice:
Nick Larkin can be a good budget pick for your Dream11 Fantasy team at only 8.5 Cr. He has scored 133 runs at an average of over 25 and a strike rate of over 120.
Today’s REN vs STA Probable Winners:
Melbourne Stars are expected to win this match.
