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In the second BBL final, the Qualifier, the top-of-the-table Melbourne Stars host the second-placed Sydney Sixers at the MCG. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the match from 7:15pm (AEDT).
The winner of this match moves straight through to host the Final, while the loser plays in the Challenger against the winner of the Knockout.
Melbourne were flying for the most part of this season, though some recent disruptions to the fairly consistent squad has made for some poor losses. First Sydney, then Adelaide and finally an appalling loss to Brisbane, the Stars will be hoping to recapture their early January form.
After an up-and-down start, the Sixers found a winning formula through the middle part of the tournament and have found that once again on the home stretch to finals. With some added Australian star power in the squad, they will be tough to beat on any deck.
The Melbourne Stars welcome back Pakistan fast-bowler Haris Rauf to the squad, returning from national T20 duties.
Sydney have also made one change to their squad of 13 for the final. Fast bowler Sean Abbott returns from a side strain sustained in late December, in place of Tom Curran, who has departed for English national duties.
The last time these teams met was in Sydney, where the Sixers won by 12 runs under the DLS method.
The Sixers posted 143 in 14 overs, including a 72-run knock from Moises Henriques, which the Stars failed to chase down. Melbourne opener Marcus Stoinis was the only solid run-scorer with 62. Tom Curran and Ben Dwarshuis were effective with the ball for the Sixers.
Prediction
A fortnight ago many would have predicted the Stars to cruise into the Final, however, three losses in a row compared to the Sixers’ three consecutive wins has many considering the magenta favourites in this match.
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At home, Melbourne would feel confident – the Stars smashed the Sixers last time they played at the MCG – but the Stars have been known to choke at the pointy end of the season.
It’s a close call, but the Sixers are the in-form side and will be rewarded with a home final.
Sydney Sixers to win.
Follow all the action on The Roar, from the first ball at 7:15pm (AEDT)
Game information
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne First ball: 7:15pm (AEDT) TV: Channel 7, Fox Cricket Online: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Odds: Melbourne Stars $1.95, Sydney Sixers $1.90
Melbourne Stars squad
Glenn Maxwell (c), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ben Dunk, Seb Gotch, Peter Handscomb, Clint Hinchliffe, Dilbar Hussain, Nick Larkin, Nic Maddinson, Haris Rauf, Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa.
Sydney Sixers squad
Moises Henriques (c), Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Dan Hughes, Nathan Lyon, Steve O’Keefe, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith, James Vince.
