Big Bash League: Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes, Prediction and preview

    Led by Chris Green, the Thunder won their last game against the Brisbane Heat and are currently fifth in the table, while the Hobart Hurricanes are sixth in the table, just two points behind the Thunder.

    Sydney thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes. Sydney thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes.

    Matthew Gilkes (37) and Rilee Rossouw (39) got Thunder off to a good start in their last game, while Daniel Sams gave Thunder's innings some much-needed momentum with lightning-fast innings of 36* off 15 deliveries.

    With the ball, Nathan McAndrew got four wickets to help Thunder win. Sams, who altered the course of the game with his bat, claimed two wickets as Thunder prevailed by 11 runs.

    The Hurricanes defeated the Melbourne Renegades in their last match. Despite a disastrous performance by the batters, the Hurricanes managed to win by eight runs.

    Their bowlers were relentless in line and length, as Riley Meredith and Shadab Khan took three wickets each, while Joel Paris and Patrick Dooley took two wickets each.

    Pitch Report

    The first match of the season will be played on the turf at Lavington Oval. The pitch is expected to be even throughout most of the game. However, batting first is ideal.

    Players to watch

    Alex Hales

    Daniel Sams

    D Arcy Short

    Riley Meredith

    Match Prediction: Hobart Hurricanes will win this match as they have excellent bowlers who can defend any score

    Squad:

    Sydney Thunder Squad: Matthew Gilkes(w), Alex Hales, Rilee Rossouw, Oliver Davies, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green(c), Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Brendan Doggett, Ben Cutting, Joel Davies, Toby Grey, Usman Qadir, Baxter Holt

    Hobart Hurricanes squad: D Arcy Short, Matthew Wade(w/c), James Neesham, Shadab Khan, Tim David, Caleb Jewell, Asif Ali, Joel Paris, Nathan Ellis, Mitchell Owen, Chris Tremain, Patrick Dooley, Riley Meredith