AUS T20 League 2023-2024

Match 18: REN vs STR

Preview

The 18th game of the Aus T20 League 2023-2024 will witness the tantalising clash between the Melbourne Renegades (REN) and Adelaide Strikers (STR). The match will be played at the Docklands Stadium, Melbourne on December 29 (Friday). The hosts are struggling to find their feet in the tournament. They are yet to win a game this season. With 5 losses in as many games, the Melbourne based franchise sit at the bottom of the points table. They lost their last match against Perth Scorchers (SCO) by 13 runs. A game which they should have comfortably won. They lost the game from a position of strength, and it would hurt the players. 

Quinton De Kock and Joe Clark provided a decent start in the last game, and the side would be banking on the experienced duo to replicate the same on Friday. Shaun Marsh started this season on a positive note. He was the lone warrior for the men in red against SCO. It is the woeful form of Jake Fraser McGruk that is hurting Melbourne. The lower middle order has misfired, and the side will expect a good show from the likes of Jonathan Wells, Tom Rogers, and Will Sutherland.

The bowling prowess has an added responsibility as the batters haven’t been at their best. The side will be hoping the spin pair of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Adam Zampa to provide them with regular strikes. Tom Rogers and Kane Richardson will have the onus to put opposition batters under scrutiny during the early passage of play. 

Matthew Short and co are coming into this encounter on the back of a heart-wrenching loss. Sydney Sixers (SIX) just got the better of them. Matthew Short and D’Arcy Short form a menacing opening pair, and the side will be relying on them for a strong start. Chris Lynn looked in his element during the last game and will be eager to carry on and build good partnerships with HJake Weatherald and Adam Hose in the middle order. Jamie Overton, James Bazley and Harry Nielsen will shoulder the batting responsibility in the lower middle order. 

In the bowling department David Payne will share the new ball with Wes Agar. The duo will look to exploit the chinks in REN batting armour  The side would love to see an impressive performance from James Bazley and Cameron Boyce in the supporting roles. 

Match Details

Match: REN vs STR, 18th Match, AUS T20 League 2023-24
Date: Friday, December 29, 2023
Time: 1:45 PM
Venue: Docklands Stadium, Melbourne

Pitch and Weather Report

Docklands Stadium, Melbourne possesses a flat surface and a quick outfield. The shorter boundaries work in favour of the batsmen, but the slower nature of the wicket can cause a few problems. Fast bowlers have done well at this venue in the past but spinners have struggled to contain batters. Team winning the toss should elect to bowl first. 

Cloud patches with a light drizzle is forecasted for matchday. 

REN vs STR Squads

REN: Quinton de Kock (wk), Nic Maddinson (c), Joe Clarke, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Shaun Marsh, Jonathan Wells, Will Sutherland, Tom Rogers, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Peter Siddle, Aaron Finch, Mackenzie Harvey, Harry Dixon, Ruwantha Kellepotha, Fergus O Neill

STR: Matthew Short (c), Harry Nielsen (wk), D'Arcy Short, Chris Lynn, Jake Weatherald , Adam Hose, Jamie Overton, James Bazley, Wes Agar, David Payne, Cameron Boyce, Ben Manenti, Brendan Doggett, Henry Thornton 

REN vs STR Probable Playing XIs

REN: Nic Maddinson (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Joe Clarke, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Finch, Jonathan Wells, Will Sutherland, Tom Rogers, Kane Richardson, Peter Siddle, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

STR: Matthew Short (c), D Arcy Short, Chris Lynn, Jake Weatherald, Adam Hose, Jamie Overton, James Bazley, Harry Nielsen (wk), Wes Agar, David Payne, Cameron Boyce

Match Prediction

The fate of hosts for the remainder of the season hangs on this game. They will need to topple their opposition in order to keep their chances of going through the next round alive. They will face a stern test in the form of STR, who have a quality batting line and depth in their bowling. We expect an edge of a seat thriller. 

We predict STR to win this duel. 

Suggested Playing XI Real11 Fantasy Cricket



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