Deadline: December 22, 2019 at 9:15 AM IST
Venue: Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe, Victoria
Pitch report
The pitch at Ted Summerton Reserve is expected to produce an even contest between batsmen and bowlers. As has been the case in the Australian T20 League so far, all-rounders will come to your rescue: take 3-4 of them in your fantasy teams.
Probable XIs
Stars: Nic Maddinson, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Peter Handscomb (wk), Glenn Maxwell (c), Ben Dunk, Clint Hinchliffe, Adam Zampa, Daniel Worrall, Haris Rauf, Sandeep Lamichhane
Hurricanes: D’Arcy Short, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott (c & wk), David Miller, George Bailey, Simon Milenko, James Faulkner, Nathan Ellis, Qais Ahmad, Clive Rose, Riley Meredith
NOTE: Pick your fantasy cricket team wisely.
Match prediction
Both teams are off to a winning start, performing well as a cohesive unit and beating opposition comprehensively. This, however, will be a contest to watch out for. Both teams are not only studded with power-hitters but also have smart bowlers at their disposal.
Players to watch out for
Glenn Maxwell scored 50 per cent of the team’s total in Star’s first match of the season. It was a different Maxwell: destructive but composed. Not once did he try a rash, uncharacteristic shot. He waited for the ball to arrive in his strong zone and did what he does best: send it soaring into the crowd. His 39-ball 83 included 7 fours and 5 sixes. Given he won’t tour India for the ODI series, we will see him play throughout the Australian T20 League. Brace yourself for a Maxwell special.
Adam Zampa continued his stellar form. Despite being smashed to pulp by Tom Banton in his first over, he did not restrict himself from bowling slow, loopy deliveries. The strategy paid off and not only did he get the better of Banton but also ended up with a three-wicket haul. His wrist-spin partner Sandeep Lamichhane finished with figures of 1 for 38.
While the spinners had their share of fun, the pace duo of Daniel Worrall and Haris Rauf made sure they wrap things up in style. Both picked up 2 wickets each, but more importantly, they were disciplined with their lines and lengths.
D’Arcy Short, the highest run-scorer of the previous season, continued where he had left from. Had it not been for his 51 runs, the Hurricanes would never have crossed the 100-run mark. On a sticky wicket, he used all his strength to power the ball to and beyond the boundary line.
Qais Ahmed had a dream start to his Australian T20 League career. His devoured the Sixers’ batting with his mighty leg-spin and finished with spectacular figures of 4 for 12. Watch out for the young Afghanistan bowler. Meanwhile, James Faulkner and Simon Milenko took 2 wickets each.
All eyes will be on Dale Steyn who missed Star’s first match due to injury. Now that he is fit and fine, he will try to emulate his stunning performance in the South Africa T20 League where he sniped up 15 wickets in a mere 8 matches.
Also, get to know the tips & tricks on how to play fantasy cricket.