The 21st match of the Big Bash League 2023-2024 features Hobart Hurricanes (HUR) hosting Sydney Thunder (THU) at Bellerive Oval on January 1, 2024, marking the ‘New Year’ day clash. With both teams securing only one victory each in the ongoing campaign, the Hurricanes, despite their lower table position, hold hope for a turnaround as they confront the Sydney Thunder at their home ground.
The Hurricanes, after four matches, find themselves at the bottom of the BBL table with three defeats. Nonetheless, their stronghold at home renders them a force to reckon with, remaining optimistic about their prospects against the Thunder.
Contrarily, the Thunder, having played five matches and coming off a no-result in the Sydney derby, have faced only one loss in their last three games. Displaying promise in both batting and bowling departments, the Thunder boast players in good form. To climb the BBL table, they aim for top-notch performances, adapting to the conditions in Hobart.
Key Match Details:
| Match | Hobart Hurricanes Vs Sydney Thunder, Big Bash League 2023-24 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Bellerive Oval, Hobart |
| Date & Time | Monday, January 1, 10:30 AM (IST) |
Pitch and Conditions at Bellerive Oval: Anticipated to offer a balanced yet challenging contest between bat and ball, the pitch at Bellerive Oval tends to aid quick bowlers with movement, making batting a tricky task. Early assistance for bowlers, especially pacers, puts significant emphasis on the initial overs. Historically, a score above 150 is considered competitive on this pitch, showcasing the difficulties batsmen face.
Considering the conditions, the team winning the toss might opt to field first, aiming to exploit early movement and capitalize on the pitch conditions.
HUR vs THU Head-to-Head Record:
| Matches Played | 19 |
|---|---|
| Hobart Hurricanes | 11 |
| Sydney Thunder | 8 |
Probable Playing XI:
Hobart Hurricanes (HUR): [Matthew Wade (Wk), Ben McDermott, Caleb Jewell, Macalister Wright, Sam Hain, Tim David, Corey Anderson, Chris Jordan, Patrick Dooley, Nathan Ellis (C), Riley Meredith]
Sydney Thunder (THU): [Cameron Bancroft (Wk), Alex Hales, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Oliver Davies, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green (C), Gurinder Sandhu, Liam Hatcher, Tanveer Sangha]
Predicted Key Performers:
Best Batter: Ben McDermott
- McDermott, a stalwart in the Big Bash League, looks to capitalize on the Bellerive Oval’s pace and bounce, favoring his back-foot play style.
Best Bowler: Nathan Ellis
- Ellis, known for his variation in bowling techniques and speeds around 140 kph, aims to pose a significant threat with his skills and make a substantial impact in the upcoming match.
