AUS T20 League 2023-2024

Match 8: STR vs THU

Preview 

Adelaide Strikers (STR) will host Sydney Thunder (THU) in match number 8 of AUS T20 League 2023-2024 on Tuesday, December 19.  It's been almost a year, but fans of both the franchises will distinctly remember the thirty minutes of pandemonium that STR bowlers put the THU batters into. The duo of Henry Thornton and Wes Agar ripped through THU’s batting order to bundle out for a paltry 15 inside six overs. 

THU had a retribution chance just days later when they played the reverse fixture away, but ended up losing that tie as well. But this time, they managed to score 150 runs and fought till the very last ball. Having bungled that attempt to settle the scores, the men in green will be raring to make the most of their visit to Adelaide this time around .

For STR, though, a victory against THU at home will be a good way to get their campaign off and running after a disappointing performance in their opening game. 

After an underwhelming finish last season. STR were hopeful of a turnaround but they suffered a major injury setback ahead of the ongoing season. Their star spinner Rashid Khan had to pull out of the 13th edition due to a back injury. With the veteran leggie ruled out for the entire season, old warhorse moving to Melbourne, and Travis Head and Alex Carey slated to be on international duty until January, the STR would have their task cut out. But the options they possess at their disposal are more than decent enough . 

Matthew Short, after his burst into the international scene, is entrusted with captaincy. Big hitting allrounder Darcy Short, one of Strikers’ latest recruits, will probably accompany him at the top of the order with AUS T20 legend Chris Lynn playing one drop. Adam Hose and Jamie Overton will shoulder the responsibility of the middle order, which also possess the reliable Jake Weatherald. 

In the bowling department, Brendan Doggett, Wes Agar and Henry Thornton form the spine of their pace attack. On the spin front, they will witness the pair of Cameron Boyce and Ben Manenti in action. They signed speedster David Payne and all-rounder from Brisbane (HEA) to provide this bowling attack a propulsion and they’ll certainly feature at some point in the tournament.

After starting their campaign on a losing note, THU will want to bounce back strongly. Despite the opening day loss to HEA, THU had a few positives:  Tanveer Sangha taking  three wickets, skipper Chris Green coming up with good with both bat and ball, new signing Cameron Bancroft getting some runs at the top, and Oliver Davies found himself amongst a few runs. 

Besides that, there was nothing noteworthy. But they need to come up with a clinical all round show because they will be taking the field against STR who lampooned them last year. English opening batter Alex Hales is woefully out of touch and needs to find a way to make some runs and give his side a flying start at the top. 

Daniel Sams is another player who cannot afford to catch a break at the moment. We very well know what he is capable of with both bat and ball, but is currently struggling to create any impact on the game. Nathan McAndrew bowled decently in the opening game but will hope to chip in with a few wickets to tighten things up. Young Pakistani pace sensation Zaman Khan impressed one and all with his pace and accuracy against HEA. He took two crucial wickets in his allocated overs, and would be looking to make the most of the splendid start to his AUS T20 League career as a THU player. 

Match Details

Match: STR vs THU, 8th Match, AUS T20 League 2023-24

Date: Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Time: 1:45 PM

Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Pitch and Weather Report

The Adelaide oval playing surface will likely provide assistance to batters, and you can expect a high scoring thriller today. The average first innings total at this venue is 173 runs. The team winning the toss might elect to bowl first. 

Clear skies with a maximum temperature of 20.9 degree celsius is predicted for the day. 

 
STR vs THU Squads

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

THU: Matthew Gilkes (wk), Chris Green (c), Cameron Bancroft, Alex Hales, Oliver Davies, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Nathan McAndrew, Liam Hatcher, Zaman Khan, Tanveer Sangha, Blake Nikitaras, William Salzmann, Gurinder Sandhu

STR vs THU Probable Playing XIs

STR: Matt Short(c), D'Arcy Short, Chris Lynn, Jake Weatherald, Adam Hose, Jamie Overton, Ben Manenti, Harry Nielsen(wk), Cameron Boyce, Wes Agar, Brendan Doggett.

THU: Alex Hales, Cameron Bancroft, Matthew Gilkes (wk), Oliver Davies, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Chris Green (c), Nathan McAndrew, Liam Hatcher, Zaman Khan, Tanveer Sangha.

Match Prediction

Considering the balance and depth within the squads, STR holds the edge. They will also enjoy playing under the home conditions. 

We possess STR to win this encounter. 

Probable Playing XI Real11 Fantasy Cricket



Team 1

Team 2