Highveld Lions look to maintain their winning run against Sydney Sixers

Highveld Lions and Sydney Sixers have been the consistent performers in this Champions League. Both teams have been unbeaten and look invincible in this competition. Highveld Lions played extremely well against Chennai Super Kings as their young batsmen handled the pressure situation brilliantly. They looked settled as a unit as they outclassed two top teams of IPL. At the right moment, their young players are getting into the groove which is a good signal for Lions. Players like Bodi responded to the pressure situation against Chennai Super Kings and also played some remarkable shots against Chennai’s quality spin-attack. Also, Chris Morris, who was promoted up the order, played a little cameo in securing Lions a comprehensive win over Chennai Super Kings. He’s been a good striker of the ball and Petersen has used him as the go-to man for crisis.

Australia’s Big Bash Champions Sydney Sixers have posted two comprehensive wins and they find themselves at the top of the table. Sydney Sixers have a balanced squad which can do the job both with bat and ball. Henriques set an example for Sydney Sixers as his all-round performance outclassed Chennai Super Kings. Starc, Cummins and Hazelwood had delivered for Sydney Sixers with the ball and they proved to possess a strong bowling attack, which could pose problems to the world’s greatest batsmen on display. They have the reputation of coming back even if they go for runs in their first spells. Bradd Haddin would hope for his boys to replicate the performance against Lions. It will certainly be a good cricket match as the two teams look pretty strong and settled.

The wicket will not play a crucial role as it did in the initial part of the tournament. The surface looks pretty dry and it should be an even contest.

Watch out for:

Mitchell Starc – Mitchell Starc has been Haddin’s key man. He has also been the strike bowler for Sydney Sixers. He can be very dangerous in death overs as he gets his yorkers spot on. If he manages to strike with the new-ball, then Lions’ batting would be tested.

Dirk Nannes - Nannes has played against Sydney Sixers in the Big bash and he perhaps knows their strength and weakness. He could be a very handy customer with the new-ball. He’s certainly the man to watch out for and he also holds the key to Lions.

Prediction – It is indeed going to be a great match. Expecting a last ball finish as both sides are packed with heavyweights. But Sydney Sixers have slight edge over Lions because they have done exceedingly well on all the three departments in their first couple of games. They were right on money. Their bowling attack looks better than Lions. Sydney Sixers, therefore has slight edge over the Lions.

Date – 18th Oct 2012

Start time - 5:30 PM IST