02:20 AM UTC: Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder, Women’s Big Bash League
Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars two bottom dwellers in the WBBL Table are going to clash against each other. Thunder has played three games with two losses and one game washed out due to rain. Meanwhile, Stars have lost two, won one, and one game got engulfed by rain.
Thunder batting woes
Thunder has made just 110 and 106 in the two games so far and looks out of sync. The highly-rated Indian import Smriti Mandhana has not made any impact so far, falling in single figures twice. Meanwhile, the rest of the batters in Sammy Jo-Johnson, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia Wilson, Corinne Hall, and Anika Learoyed have not been able to push the tempo or make runs. All-rounder Deepti Sharma bats too low at number 7 and perhaps the team needs to push her up the order.
Stars may figure it out soon
Melbourne Stars are better than the record suggests. The team has a formidable front-line batting with veterans Elyse Vilani and Meg Lanning in top-order while youngster Annabel Sutherland has already scooped up a half-century in her role as an opener. Maia Bouchier and Kim Garth can be quick running options in the middle going forward and the team does have a sturdy batting line-up
Bowling comparison
Thunder has a decent mix of pace and spin bowling. Young Issy Wong has both pace and ability to move although she is susceptible to losing her line and length. Meanwhile, Hannah Darlington and Sammy Jo-Johnson can take wickets but both have looked a little off-color. Spin option Deepti Sharma, who is well known for her control, has not been able to deliver either.
Meanwhile, Stars have depended largely upon young Sutherland to deliver the goods, the youngster has both pace and superb sense of line and length. If the last game is any sign then Kim Garth, Tess Flintoff, Sophie Day, and Linsey Smith may have also found their rhythm. The Stars may have a slight edge heading into this match.