The Sydney Thunder will be desperate to set the record straight when they face the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash on Sunday.
Trevor Bayliss’ side were embarrassed on Friday when they were dismissed for 15 – the lowest score in men’s Twenty20 history. The Adelaide Strikers proved too much for them, with the Thunder unable to last more than 35 balls, another record as the shortest ever innings.
Number 10, Brendan Doggett, top-scored with four, and it is fair to say that they will be eager to prove a point this weekend.
The Renegades have won their only match of the competition so far, and there are doubts about whether Sydney Thunder can bounce back so quickly.
Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder Betting Tips
It is not hard to see why the Renegades are listed 4/5 favourites for Sunday’s clash. While the Sydney Thunder lost by 124 runs to Adelaide on Friday, the Renegades beat Brisbane Heat by 22 runs in their opening match the day before.
Even though the two teams are level on two points, the Thunder have now played twice and are considered EVS outsiders.
Team news
Melbourne Renegades are unlikely to make changes to a winning line-up, particularly with Shaun Marsh having been ruled out for the long term.
Thunder head coach Bayliss is likely to wield the axe in order to get a response out of his team, with Ben Cutting and Sam Whitmena pushing for inclusion at the likely expense of either Oliver Davies or Matthew Gilkes. That could also see Daniel Sams or Jason Sangha getting the chance to open the batting for the Thunder.
Melbourne Renegades to win @ 4/5
Sydney’s Alex Hales is due a big performance, but the manner of their defeat last time out rings major alarm bells ahead of Sunday’s match.
Confidence within the Sydney Thunders dressing room must be at an all-time low, and if Hales struggles, then there’s every chance his team does too.
Melbourne’s bowling attack has proven to be consistent and deadly of late, and they should be able to build on their recent win.
Melbourne Renegades Top Run Scorer – Nic Maddinson @ 11/4
Australian Maddinson got Melbourne over the line last time out, with the opener scoring a sensational 87 from 49 balls, more than half his side’s total of 166-7.
With momentum and confidence firmly behind the 30-year-old, he could be the one to deliver the goods once again this weekend. He hit three sixes and 10 fours against Brisbane and finished with a strike-rate of 177.55.
The Marvel Stadium has been reliable for batting teams of late, with more than 170 scored in the first innings 10 times in the last 15 fixtures.
Should Melbourne bat first, Maddinson can lead the charge from the front and try to help his team win their second match of the season.
Welcome Offer – Bet £10 Get £30 in FREE Bets
New 18+ UK customers.
1st bet on sports of £10+ in one transaction at evens (2.0)+ settled within 7 days of registering.
£30 paid in free bets within 10 hours of bet settlement, 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply.
Full Terms & Conditions apply.
