The knockout match of the ongoing Big Bash League will witness the face-off between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder on Friday at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney. Thunder made it to the challenger after pummeling Melbourne Stars in the knockout match on Wednesday. Thunder recorded a 21-run win over Stars, with Nathan McAndrew returning with five wickets to bowl Stars out for 114 in their pursuit of 135.
Nathan McAndrew’s 5-16 were his career-best T20 figures, and the best by a Thunder player in the history of BBL. Sydney Thunder spinners have been instrumental in their victories and would be expected to step up for the team in the Challenger as well.
Meanwhile, Sixers had lost to Hurricanes in the Qualifier but they are getting another chance to turn the tables and make it to the final. Sydney Thunder, ahead of their clash, have made two changes to their squad for the Challengers, with Daniel Christian and Jason Sangha coming in for Toby Gray and Blake Nikitaras.
Head to head
Matches - 27
Sydney Sixers won - 18
Sydney Thunder won - 7
No result - 2
Sydney Thunder Probable XI: David Warner (c), Hugh Weibgen, Matthew Gilkes, Sam Billings (wk), Oliver Davies, Chris Green, George Garton, Nathan McAndrew, Tom Andrews, Wes Agar, Tanveer Sangha
Sydney Sixers Probable XI: Josh Philippe (wk), Kurtis Patterson, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Lachlan Shaw, Ben Dwarshuis, Hayden Kerr, Ben Manenti, Mitchell Perry, Jafer Chohan