Betting Tips

Sydney Thunder will play the Knockout against the in-form Melbourne Stars at the Sydney Showground Stadium. This is a winner takes all contest in which the loser goes home and the winner continues to fight for a place in the BBL Final. There is, quite literally, everything to play for.

Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars Head-to-Head Record

The two teams have played 21 matches against each other. Sydney Thunder has won 11 out of those matches while the Melbourne Stars have won 10. Perhaps the most important thing for bettors to remember is that Sydney Thunder has won the previous four matches against the Melbourne Stars.

Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars Live-streaming and Broadcast

This match can be watched live on the Disney+ Hotstar App and Star Sports Network.

ST vs MS Team Previews

Sydney Thunder

Sydney Thunder started BBL 14 very well but just seems to have stumbled as the playoffs have arrived. Just one win its previous five scheduled matches, two of which were rained out, have robbed it of crucial momentum. This is not a team to be taken lightly, though.

David Warner is currently sitting at the top of the run scoring charts with 346 runs to his name but we believe his strike rate of 146 is a hinderance to his side. Thunder needs someone like Konstas or Billings to compensate for the lack of strike-rate at the other end.

In general, this increased pressure on the other batter ends up causing mistakes. The batting lineup for Sydney Thunder looks underpowered in comparison to the Melbourne Stars. This could become quite glaring if Thunder is forced to chase an above par total.

The bowling unit for Sydney Thunder is quite good. Wes Agar, Mohammad Hasnain, and Tanveer Sangha are the three bowlers that Warner will look towards in crucial situations. We think Sangha's matchup against Maxwell might end up being one of the deciding contests of the match.

Playing at home is an advantage for Sydney Thunder but only a minor one.

Sydney Thunder Expected Playing 11

Melbourne Stars

The Melbourne Stars are coming into this match with a lot of confidence. Their poor start to the BBL meant that they were already in a must-win situation for the past few weeks. Under pressure to win, Glenn Maxwell has decided to showcase just why he is considered as one of the most dangerous batters in T20 cricket.

His 297 runs have come at a strike rate of 194 and includes 26 sixes. These numbers are insanely good, especially for someone that bats in the middle order. Marcus Stoinis also has 296 runs this season and seems to be finding fluency at the right time.

Add Beau Webster, Hilton Cartwright, and Sam Harper to this batting lineup and you can see just why the bookies are favoring the Melbourne Stars in this contest. If the surface favors the batters, the Melbourne Stars are going to be very hard to stop.

FInding consistency with the ball has been a challenge. Mark Steketee has 15 wickets to his name and is the leader of the bowling attack but he can be very expensive on his day. Joel Paris and Peter Siddle have struggled to keep the runs down as well.

Usama Mir, Hilton Catrwright, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell himself can all pitch in as needed but having variety does not always equal having quality. This is an area where Marcus Stoinis will have to use his resources very smartly.

Melbourne Stars Expected Playing 11

ST vs MS Toss Prediction

The Melbourne Stars have won their previous three matches batting first. Sydney Thunder has also preferred to put runs on the board. We think it is safe to say that the team that wins the toss is going to want to bat first.

Pitch and Conditions

Sydney Showground Stadium has had a pitch that has been slower and more difficult to score off than at other venues in Australia. We don't think the underlying nature of the surface is going to change for this match. The spinners will get some help and change of pace will be effective.

A score of around 160 should be considered competitive.

There is some rain around and we could have some interruptions.

ST vs MS Betting Tips

Melbourne Stars have a poor record against Sydney Thunder in the previous couple of seasons. We think they will be keen to set the record straight in this contest. They have winning momentum on their side and some of the most dangerous T20 batters in the world firing on all cylinders.

Bet on the Melbourne Stars to win.