Big Bash League 2018-19: Match 49, Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - February 2nd, 2019

With the league phase nearing its end, both the Sydney franchises are in the race for a semi-final birth although it's the Sixers who are in a comfortable position at the moment. Banking on their pace attacking, the Sixers have been clinical over the past few matches and have seemingly booked a semi-final spot as well.

On the other hand, Sydney Thunder has been resilient throughout the campaign with stellar performances against Perth Scorchers and the Sixers themselves in the reverse fixture, typifying their determination for a spot in the last four. With the SCG set to host this derby, one can expect an action-packed match between two former champions of the Big Bash League.

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Squads to choose from:

Sydney Sixers:

Sean Abbott, Tom Curran, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Stephen O'Keefe, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Jordan Silk, Ben Manenti, James Vince

Sydney Thunder:

Fawad Ahmed, Jono Cook, Callum Ferguson, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Jay Lenton, Nathan McAndrew, Arjun Nair, Kurtis Patterson, Sam Rainbird, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, Shane Watson, Anton Devcich, Chris Jordan

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Playing XI Updates:

Sydney Sixers:

The Sixers should play the same side that one them the game against Adelaide with the possibility of Lloyd Pope returning for Ben Manenti or Jack Edwards with no left-hander other than Devcich in their line-up. Ben Dwarshius was at his best with a brilliant spell of bowling to keep the Strikers down to a below par score and his performance adds to the glamour of an already bright Sixers bowling unit consisting of three out of the top six wicket-takers in the tournament. They surely enter into this match as the firm favorites.

Possible XI: Phillipe (WK), Hughes, Vince, Henriques(C), Silk, Edwards/Pope, Curran, Abbott, Dwarshius, O'Keefe, and Manenti.

Sydney Thunder:

After restricting the Renegades for the better part of their innings, the likes of Jordan and Sandhu succumbed to Cameron Boyce, who took the Renegades to a decent target and ultimately costed them the win. The Thunder batting has been an issue of late with only one or two firing in unison while the others have gone missing. Callum Ferguson and Shane Watson have bailed them out on many occasions but would ideally want Anton Devcich and Jason Sangha to play more freely and express themselves. No changes are expected from the Thunder although an extra batsman would be handy.

Possible XI: Devcich, Watson(C), Ferguson, Sangha, Sams, Green, Holt(WK), Jordan, Sandhu, Fawad, and Cook.

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:

Wicket-keeper: Baxter Holt did give a good account of himself in the previous game but should be overlooked for Josh Phillipe. With a similar batting style as Steve Smith, Phillipe has performed admirably at the top of the order and warranties a position in your fantasy team.

Batsmen: Shane Watson has been calm of late and is due for a big one with no better occasion than a Sydney derby. James Vince and Daniel Hughes are also great options to have in the team with both of them in good form. Either of Jason Sangha or Callum Ferguson should suffice in rounding off the batting department.

All-rounders: Tom Curran, Daniel Sams, and Anton Devcich are the ideal players to have in your fantasy team. Anton Devcich hasn't been at his best with the bat in spite of impressing initially against the Strikers. A promotion to the top of the order is on the cards for the New Zealander. Moises Henriques is also a good option to have in your team and could slot in for Tom Curran.

Bowlers: Sean Abbott and Fawad Ahmed are must haves in your fantasy team alongside several options including Jordan and Dwarshius. Steve O'Keefe and Chris Green could also be given the nod with the possibility of Green's batting abilities being called on during the match on Saturday.

Captain: Shane Watson and Daniel Hughes are the ideal choices for the captain with both of them among the runs this season. Other options include Anton Devcich and Moises Henriques.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Josh Phillipe (WK), Shane Watson, Callum Ferguson, James Vince, Moises Henriques, Tom Curran, Anton Devcich, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshius, Fawad Ahmed and Chris Jordan. Captain: Moises Henriques

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Josh Phillipe (WK), Shane Watson, Daniel Hughes, James Vince, Anton Devcich, Daniel Sams, Tom Curran, Sean Abbott, Steve O'Keefe, Fawad Ahmed and Gurinder Sandhu. Captain: Shane Watson.