'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
It all comes down to the final league match of the season as Melbourne Stars welcome high-flyers Sydney Sixers at the iconic MCG on Sunday.
While the Sixers are assured of a semi-final spot and would hope for a home clash, the Stars are in puzzling situation as only a victory would seal their spot for the semis, and that too, against the Hurricanes. With the return of several high-profile players to both sides, the stakes are at a high with the semi-finals on the horizon.
Squads to choose from:
Sydney Sixers:
Sean Abbott, Justin Avendano, Tom Curran, Ben Dwarshuis, Joe Denly, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Daniel Fallins, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Nathan Lyon, Peter Nevill, Stephen O'Keefe, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Jordan Silk, Henry Thornton, Greg West, Ben Manenti
Melbourne Stars:
Michael Beer, Jackson Bird, Scott Boland, Liam Bowe, Dwayne Bravo, Jackson Coleman, Travis Dean, Ben Dunk, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sandeep Lamichhane, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jonathan Merlo, Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa
Playing XI Updates:
Melbourne Stars:
How does a team recover from an absolute drubbing with everything to play for in their next match? Max Bryant and Ben Cutting's vicious batting left the Stars reeling but with the presence of several international stars, they should shrug it off quickly.
Daniel Worrall could make way for Evan Gulbis while Seb Gotch could keep his position for the last match. Much is expected of Sandeep Lamichhane and Adam Zampa with their campaign on the line.
Possible XI: Stoinis, Dunk, Handscomb (WK), Maxwell(C), Maddinson, Bravo, Gotch, Gulbis, Bird, Zampa and Lamichhane.
Sydney Sixers:
The Sixers have included Australia's most successful off-spinner in Tests, Nathan Lyon in the side for this match. Lyon was inspirational last season towards the end when the Sixers won their last four games on the trot to avoid the wooden spoon.
With the likes of Sean Abbott and Tom Curran already firing, Nathan Lyon's inclusion rounds off a brilliant bowling attack. The batting unit is fairly settled with Josh Phillipe doing well at the top of the order.
Possible XI: Phillipe(WK), Hughes, Vince, Henriques (C), Silk, Curran, Abbott, Dwarshius, Pope, O'Keefe and Lyon
Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:
Wicket-keeper: Peter Handscomb's performances have tailed off since his brilliant innings against the Strikers and would be expected to make an impact in what is a crucial match for the Stars. Josh Phillipe is also a handy option who could act as a facilitator for more established players to be picked in the fantasy side.
Batsmen: James Vince and Daniel Hughes have provided steady starts for the Sixers on several occasions and are to be picked in your side along with the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dunk and Nic Maddinson. Maddinson hasn't been in his elements this season and Stars would be desperate for more from their star signing.
All-rounders: With a number of quality all-rounders available, Marcus Stoinis and Tom Curran are the ideal choices to go for with their recent form being irresistible. Stoinis has scored in excess of 400 runs and picked up 14 wickets while Curran has eighteen to his name to justify their respective selections.
Bowlers: Sandeep Lamichhane and Sean Abbott are must haves in the fantasy team. Ben Dwarshius is also a handy pick with the left-armer doing well in recent games notably a brilliant spell against Adelaide Strikers. Either of Jackson Bird and Adam Zampa would suffice in rounding off the team.
Captain: Peter Handscomb and Daniel Hughes have contributed in bits and parts this season. Much is expected of them and would be the best options for captain. Glenn Maxwell is also an attractive option to choose as captain.
Fantasy Suggestion #1: Peter Handscomb (WK), James Vince, Daniel Hughes, Nic Maddinson, Ben Dunk, Marcus Stoinis, Tom Curran, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshius, Sandeep Lamichhane and Jackson Bird. Captain: Peter Handscomb
Fantasy Suggestion #2: Josh Phillipe(WK), James Vince, Daniel Hughes, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dunk, Tom Curran, Dwayne Bravo, Nathan Lyon, Sandeep Lamichhane, Adam Zampa and Sean Abbott. Captain: Daniel Hughes
Looking to improve your fantasy team? Download CricRocket and get expert teams, venue details, pitch report and in-depth player stats! 🚀☄️
