Big Bash League 2018-19: Match 55, Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - February 9th, 2019

Starting off as the underdogs in this year's BBL, the Sydney Thunder have done well to still stay in contention for the semi-final, although they require a huge favour from other teams. While results do need to go in their favour, the Thunder still have to win their last match at the Manuka Oval as they take on the table toppers, Hobart Hurricanes, in what promises to be a cracker of a match.

The Thunder could possibly field Usman Khawaja and Pat Cummins in their final game as they seek to join their opponents in the top four. For the Hurricanes, the match could only serve the purpose of fine-tuning their skills and tactics as they enter the business end of the tournament, and add another win to their tally.

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Squads to choose from:

Hobart Hurricanes

Jofra Archer, George Bailey, Jarrod Freeman, Alex Doolan, Jake Doran, James Faulkner, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Simon Milenko, David Moody, Tim Paine, Tom Rogers, Clive Rose, D'Arcy Short, Aaron Summers, Matthew Wade and Qais Ahmed

Sydney Thunder:

Fawad Ahmed, Anton Devcich, Pat Cummins, Callum Ferguson, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Usman Khawaja, Jay Lenton, Nathan McAndrew, Arjun Nair, Kurtis Patterson, Sam Rainbird,Chris Jordan, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, Shane Watson, Jono Cook, Baxter Holt and Matt Gilkes.

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Playing XI Updates:

Sydney Thunder:

Usman Khawaja, Kurtis Patterson and Pat Cummins are available for the final game, and this provides Shane Watson and Shane Bond with a number of options to proceed with. Usman Khawaja and Pat Cummins should make it to the side, while much is still expected of Anton Devcich and Chris Jordan, who have failed to put in a telling performance yet. Patterson could play with Sangha omitted from the squad.

Possible XI: Watson(C), Khawaja, Ferguson, Devcich, Patterson, Gilkes(WK), Sams, Green, Cummins, Jordan and Fawad Ahmed.

Hobart Hurricanes:

James Faulkner's situation is still to be assessed, although Hobart wouldn't take any chances on their star all-rounder. Caleb Jewell has faded over the last few matches and could be given a longer rope before Alex Doolan is given another chance. D'Arcy Short's record against the Thunder is impressive and would be one to watch out for.

Possible XI: Short, Wade(C&WK), Jewell, McDermott, Bailey, Milenko, Archer, Rose, Qais, Moody and Meredith.

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:

Wicket-keeper: Matthew Wade is in the form of his life and with 545 runs to his name, he is the preferred choice for wicket-keeper. In the reverse fixture, Wade was at his brilliant best and another big one could be on the way from the south-paw.

Batsmen: Shane Watson, George Bailey, Ben McDermott and Jason Sangha are the ideal set of batsmen to have in the fantasy contest. Watson has been great for the Thunder this season although his recent form hasn't been great. With this being a do-or-die match for the Thunder, Watson should be backed. Usman Khawaja could also slot in for him with the south-paw coming off a hundred in the second Test against Sri Lanka.

All-rounders: D'Arcy Short and Anton Devcich are two players capable of destroying bowling attacks on their day with Short leading the run-scoring charts with 595 runs. Short has even chipped in with a few vital wickets this season, and is a handy option.

Bowlers: Jofra Archer and Qais Ahmed are must-haves in the side with their ability to stifle their opponents with their incredible variations. Chris Green is also a handy option with his economical off-spin and pinch hitting abilities. The likes of Chris Jordan and Pat Cummins are also great options to go with.

Captain: D'Arcy Short has been the best player in the league this year, and will look to close out the league stage in style. Along with Watson and Devcich, Short is a great option to have as captain.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Matt Wade(WK), Shane Watson, George Bailey, Ben McDermott, Callum Ferguson, Daniel Sams, Anton Devcich, Pat Cummins, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer and Qais Ahmed. Captain: Shane Watson.

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Matt Wade(WK), Usman Khawaja, Callum Ferguson, Caleb Jewell, George Bailey, D'Arcy Short, Anton Devcich, Jofra Archer, Qais Ahmed, Chris Green and Clive Rose. Captain: D'Arcy Short.