The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) continues with an exciting face-off in Match 9 between Sydney Sixers Women (SS-W) and Melbourne Stars Women (MS-W) on November 1. Both teams are aiming to bounce back and secure a win as they meet at the North Sydney Oval. Below, we explore the key factors that could influence the match’s outcome and provide insights on the players to watch and venue conditions.
Current Standings and Recent Performances
Sydney Sixers Women hold the fourth position in the points table, while Melbourne Stars are currently placed seventh. Each team has shown strengths in certain areas and vulnerabilities in others.
Melbourne Stars Women (MS-W)
- Recent Form: The Stars opened their WBBL 2024 campaign with a narrow 13-run loss against Perth Scorchers. Led by Annabel Sutherland, their bowling department impressed, but batting setbacks restricted them to a modest 109 runs.
- Objective: To claim a crucial win against the Sixers, Sutherland’s side will need a balanced performance, combining strong batting support with their existing bowling strengths.
Sydney Sixers Women (SS-W)
- Recent Form: Sydney Sixers started on a high note, winning against Melbourne Renegades, but later faced an 11-run defeat against Adelaide Strikers. Despite half-centuries from Ellyse Perry and Sarah Bryce, the Sixers narrowly missed chasing the target.
- Objective: Perry’s squad is motivated to reassert their dominance and secure another victory to stay competitive in the points table.
Match Details for SS-W vs MS-W
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Sydney Sixers Women vs Melbourne Stars Women |
| Venue | North Sydney Oval, Sydney |
| Date & Time | Friday, November 1, 1:45 PM IST |
| Live Broadcast/Streaming | Star Sports Network, Disney+Hotstar |
North Sydney Oval Pitch Report and Toss Prediction
The North Sydney Oval pitch traditionally favors batters, making it a high-scoring venue. Bowlers tend to find limited assistance, so teams often prefer to bowl first to assess and manage the target.
- Pitch Insights: A total of 165+ is typically considered a defendable score at this venue.
- Toss Prediction: Winning the toss is advantageous as teams generally opt to field first here. Given the recent trend, the toss-winning captain might choose to bowl and restrict the opposition.
Sydney Sixers Women (SS-W) Key Players
- Ellyse Perry (c): Leading the WBBL run-scoring charts with 135 runs in just two games, Perry has hit half-centuries in both matches. Her consistency and experience make her indispensable for the Sixers’ success.
- Ashleigh Gardner: Currently the third-ranked all-rounder in T20 cricket, Gardner has taken four wickets at an impressive economy rate of 8.12. Her prowess, especially on spin-friendly pitches, poses a challenge for opposing batters.
- Sarah Bryce: A steady performer, Bryce’s recent scores include a half-century, adding depth to the Sixers’ batting lineup.
Projected Squad: Ellyse Perry (c), Hollie Armitage, Sarah Bryce (wk), Ashleigh Gardner, Elsa Hunter, Maitlan Brown, Sophie Ecclestone, Caoimhe Bray, Courtney Sippel, Frankie Nicklin, Lauren Cheatle.
Melbourne Stars Women (MS-W) Key Players
- Annabel Sutherland (c): Although her form with the bat has been underwhelming, Sutherland’s leadership and bowling remain crucial for the Stars. She will aim to inspire her team by contributing significantly in this must-win game.
- Meg Lanning: Known for her ability to dominate in high-stakes matches, Lanning’s top-order performance could be a game-changer. Her presence is key in providing stability and strength to the Stars’ batting.
- Deepti Sharma: A consistent all-rounder, Sharma has amassed 117 runs in three matches, including a high score of 73. Her dual skills in both batting and bowling make her an invaluable asset to the Stars.
Projected Squad: Meg Lanning, Ines McKeon, Sophie Reid (wk), Annabel Sutherland (c), Marizanne Kapp, Tess Flintoff, Rhys McKenna, Kim Garth, Sasha Moloney, Sophie Day, Maisy Gibson.
Key Match-Up: SS-W vs MS-W Head-to-Head Records
Historically, both teams have won nine games each across their 18 meetings, demonstrating a balanced rivalry. Sydney Sixers have held a slight edge in recent contests, winning three of their last five games against the Stars.
| SS-W | MS-W | Tied | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 0 | 18 |
Venue Stats at North Sydney Oval, Sydney
The venue has witnessed 71 WBBL matches, with the team batting first winning 39 times and the team batting second winning 32 times. The average first-innings score is 144, while the average for the second innings is slightly lower at 130.8, indicating that batting second here can be challenging if the target is high.
| Total Matches Played | 71 |
|---|---|
| Batting First Wins | 39 |
| Batting Second Wins | 32 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 231 |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 42 |
Predicted Outcome and Winning Chances
Considering recent performances and the strengths of both teams:
- If SS-W Wins the Toss: Sydney Sixers Women might choose to bowl first and restrict the Stars, relying on Perry and Gardner’s form to chase the target successfully.
- If MS-W Wins the Toss: Melbourne Stars may also opt to bowl first, hoping for an improved batting performance to chase down a feasible target.
Probable Best Performers
- Best Batter: Ellyse Perry – Her form and leadership are likely to drive the Sixers’ innings, especially in a venue known for batting.
- Best Bowler: Ashleigh Gardner – With her skillful spin and current wicket-taking form, Gardner could play a key role in restricting the Stars’ lineup.
Dream11 Prediction for SS-W vs MS-W
Ellyse Perry, Sarah Bryce, Ashleigh Gardner, Meg Lanning, and Deepti Sharma are ideal picks for any fantasy cricket lineup given their consistency and impact potential in both batting and bowling departments.
Disclaimer: This match prediction is based on analysis and insights from recent performances and venue conditions. However, it is advisable for fans to use their judgment when making predictions or forming fantasy teams.
