Interested in BBL Predictions Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers?
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Background
It’s time for the Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars to go head to head in Match No. 20 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2022-23 on Thursday, December 29th at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
The Scorchers, led by Ashton Turner, currently sit in the top four of the points table with six points, having won three out of their four matches. They are coming off a three-wicket win against the Adelaide Strikers, in which Andrew Tye took 3 for 30 to help restrict the Strikers to 133/7.
Turner and Jhye Richardson then had a 43-run partnership for the eighth wicket, with Turner remaining undefeated on 48 off 38 to take his team to victory.
The Stars, on the other hand, are struggling in seventh place on the points table with three losses in their four matches. In their most recent match, they lost to the Sydney Sixers by a seven-wicket margin.
Despite being without Marcus Stoinis, the Stars managed to score 150, thanks to Beau Webster’s 78 off 51. However, their bowling attack, including Luke Wood and Adam Zampa, was not able to keep the Sixers in check, and the Sixers finished the chase with five balls to spare.
Team analysis
In terms of team news, the Scorchers have a strong batting lineup, including Faf du Plessis, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, and Ashton Turner, who have all made contributions so far.
Adam Lyth, however, has not been at his best and will need to step up. The Scorchers’ bowling attack, consisting of Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, and Andrew Tye, has been effective, as has the spin duo of Ashton Agar and Peter Hatzoglou.
The Stars, meanwhile, have opted to rest Marcus Stoinis and Nathan Coulter-Nile in their previous match in order to manage their workload. Both players are expected to return for this match.
The Stars’ bowling attack, featuring Trent Boult, Luke Wood, Adam Zampa, and Coulter-Nile, has looked decent, but was thoroughly defeated by the Scorchers in their last encounter.
In the batting department, the Stars have relied heavily on Joe Clarke, as Marcus Stoinis and Hilton Cartwright have not been in great form. However, Beau Webster’s performance in the previous match was encouraging.
Key Players
Some key players to watch in this match include Faf du Plessis for the Scorchers and Luke Wood for the Stars. Du Plessis has scored over 8100 runs in T20 cricket at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 131.
Wood, meanwhile, has taken 9 wickets in four matches for the Stars this season, and will be looking to redeem himself after a poor outing against the Scorchers in their last match. Wood has taken 83 wickets in T20 cricket at an economy rate of 8.37.
Where to watch
To watch this match, tune in to the Sony Sports Network or Sony LIV (India only). The match is also available to stream on the BBL website and app, and on Kayo Sports (Australia only).
Who will win
In terms of the all-time record between these two teams, the Perth Scorchers have the edge, with 12 wins in 21 clashes.
The Melbourne Stars have won eight games, with one resulting in a washout.
The Scorchers have also won the last four encounters between the two teams and seem to have the stronger lineup on paper this season.
Based on these factors, it is likely that the Perth Scorchers will come out on top in this match.
