Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Thunder: The Perth Scorchers face the unbeaten Sydney Thunder in the 22nd match of the Big Bash League 2024-25 at the Optus Stadium. With three wins from five matches, the Scorchers have had a decent start, but the Thunder have been brilliant, winning three of their four games so far. This highly anticipated clash promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Scorchers aim to end the Thunder’s winning streak.
Match Details
- Match: 22nd Match (N), Big Bash League 2024-25
- Date: January 3, 2025
- Time: 3:45 PM IST
- Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Pitch Report
Nature of the Surface:
The Optus Stadium pitch has offered a balanced contest between bat and ball this season.
- Batting: Teams batting first can feel confident with a total of 155+ on the board.
- Bowling: Bowlers have found success with consistent lengths and variations.
Scoring Expectations:
- Average 1st Innings Score: 176 runs
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 156 runs
- Competitive Total: A score between 170-180 is expected to challenge the opposition.
Boundary Dimensions:
- Straight Boundaries: 80 meters on average
- Square Boundaries: 64 meters on average
Toss Prediction
Given the expected rise in humidity levels during the second innings, both captains might opt to bowl first to exploit the conditions. However, both teams have proven their ability to adapt, whether batting or bowling first.
Weather Impact
The weather in Perth is expected to be clear with a temperature of 26°C throughout the match. There is no forecast of rain, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 38 |
| Batting First Wins | 20 |
| Batting Second Wins | 18 |
| Tie | 0 |
| Highest Score | Perth Scorchers: 213/3 |
| Lowest Score | Perth Scorchers: 79/10 |
| Highest Chase | Perth Scorchers: 201/7 (vs SIX, 16 Jan 2024) |
| Highest Defended | Australia: 220/6 (vs WI, 13 Feb 2024) |
Scoring Pattern:
| Score Range | Matches |
|---|---|
| Below 150 | 9 |
| 150-169 | 10 |
| 170-189 | 13 |
| Above 190 | 6 |
Head-to-Head Record
| Location | Perth Scorchers Wins | Sydney Thunder Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9 | 9 |
| At Optus Stadium | 2 | 2 |
Last 5 Matches:
| Date | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 08-Jan-2024 | Scorchers | Won by 7 wickets (5 balls remaining) |
| 13-Jan-2023 | Scorchers | Won by 9 wickets (43 balls remaining) |
| 04-Jan-2023 | Thunder | Won by 6 wickets (18 balls remaining) |
| 06-Jan-2022 | Thunder | Won by 6 wickets (D/L method) |
| 28-Dec-2021 | Thunder | Won by 34 runs |
Team News
Perth Scorchers:
Perth Scorchers are coming into this game with a strong bowling unit and an equally powerful batting lineup. The return of Jhye Richardson to the national squad sees Bryce Jackson stepping in, while left-hander Sam Fanning replaces Keaton Jennings. Jason Behrendorff and Lance Morris continue to lead the pace attack, complemented by Ashton Agar’s reliable spin. With Cooper Connolly and Ashton Turner in fine form, the Scorchers will aim to maintain their momentum.
Sydney Thunder:
Sydney Thunder boasts a dynamic lineup this season, especially in their bowling department. Wes Agar’s 4/32 in their win against Melbourne Renegades highlights their depth, with Lockie Ferguson and Daniel Sams providing further strength. The batting unit, led by David Warner, features explosive players like Cameron Bancroft, Sherfane Rutherford, and Sam Billings, capable of delivering match-winning performances.
Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Thunder Lineups
Perth Scorchers Playing XI:
- Matty Hurst (wk)
- Finn Allen
- Aaron Hardie
- Cooper Connolly
- Ashton Turner (c)
- Nick Hobson
- Ashton Agar
- Andrew Tye
- Jason Behrendorff
- Lance Morris
- Bryce Jackson
Sydney Thunder Playing XI:
- Cameron Bancroft
- David Warner (c)
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Oliver Davies
- Sam Billings (wk)
- Matthew Gilkes
- Chris Green
- Daniel Sams
- Tom Andrews
- Lockie Ferguson
- Wes Agar
Squads
Perth Scorchers:
Ashton Turner (c), Ashton Agar, Finn Allen (NZ), Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Matthew Hurst (Eng), Bryce Jackson, Matt Kelly, Lance Morris, Matthew Spoors, Andrew Tye.
Sydney Thunder:
David Warner (c), Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (Eng), Oliver Davies, Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Toby Gray, Liam Hatcher, Blake Nikitaras, Sherfane Rutherford (WI), Daniel Sams.
Key Players to Watch
Batters to Watch (Recent Stats):
- Cooper Connolly (PS): 10 matches • 342 runs • 48.86 avg • 133.07 SR
- Nick Hobson (PS): 8 matches • 143 runs • 71.5 avg • 183.33 SR
- Cameron Bancroft (ST): 10 matches • 206 runs • 22.89 avg • 107.29 SR
- David Warner (ST): 6 matches • 179 runs • 35.8 avg • 131.61 SR
Bowlers to Watch (Recent Stats):
- Jason Behrendorff (PS): 9 matches • 16 wickets • 6.92 econ • 13.5 SR
- Lance Morris (PS): 9 matches • 9 wickets • 7.88 econ • 20.88 SR
- Daniel Sams (ST): 9 matches • 11 wickets • 8.61 econ • 18 SR
- Chris Green (ST): 8 matches • 8 wickets • 7.42 econ • 24 SR
Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Thunder Fantasy XI
- Batters: Cooper Connolly (C), David Warner, Nick Hobson, Sherfane Rutherford
- All-rounders: Ashton Turner (VC), Daniel Sams, Chris Green
- Bowlers: Jason Behrendorff, Lance Morris, Wes Agar, Lockie Ferguson
Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Thunder Prediction
Perth Scorchers bring a balanced side, with depth in both batting and bowling. Sydney Thunder, on the other hand, have a strong bowling unit but have shown inconsistencies. If Scorchers’ top-order fires, they might edge this encounter. However, with Sydney Thunder’s explosive batting lineup, this game could be a thriller. Expect the Scorchers to have a slight upper hand due to their consistency and variety in attack.
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