AUS-T20 League 2023-24

Match 2: SIX vs REN

Preview 

Sydney Sixers (SIX) will kick start their AUS-T20 League campaign as they host the Melbourne Renegades (REN) on Friday. The second match, a day / night affair, will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground. SIX are among the most consistent sides in the history of this tournament, having clinched the title on three occasions. In the last seasons, they finished second but suffered defeats in both their qualifier matches and thus failed to make it to the finals. 

The Sydney based franchise has managed to retain the majority of their core players and have also added new faces to bolster its unit further. Led by the impregnable Moises Henriques, SIX went after Tom Curran and James Vince during the player draft picks. James Vince and Josh Phillipe will probably be the opening pair for the men in pink. 

However, the latter hasn’t been in the best of forms off late and will be eyeing to make amends. Steve Smith, who was spectacular during his brief spell in the AUS T20 League 2022-23 season, is available for this match, adding depth to the number 3 slot. The seam bowling prowess, will be led by Sean Abott, who is amongst the best bowlers in the history of this competition.

He will get assistance from Jackson Bird and Hayden Kerr from the other end. The spin department on the other hand looks a little fragile. With Rehman Ahmed away for international duty, Steve O Keefe is the lone quality alternative. 

REN finished third on the points table last season but a loss to Brisbane Heat (HEA) in the knockout stage ended their adventurous campaign. As they start out afresh, we expect an improved performance from them. 

The recent addition of Quinton De Kock to the squad is a huge boost for the Melbourne based outfit. The veteran southpaw was in startling form during the just concluded ODI World Cup but is unlikely to be available for this game. 

In that case, Joe Clarke may open the batting alongside Nic Maddison, while Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh and Jake Fraser McGurk will provide stability to the middle order. 

Will Sutherland will likely be seen in the finisher role. In the bowling department REN possess the services of Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers and Peter Siddle. Rogers, who was particularly impressive in the last season will lead the pace bowling attack for the visitors on Friday. In addition to a threatening seam attack, REN also have quality spin bowlers in their ranks. The spin duo of Adam Zampa and Mujeeb Ur Rahman promises to be an exciting one

Match Details

Match: SIX vs REN, 2nd Match, AUS-T20 League 2023-24

Date: Friday, December 08, 2023

Time: 1:45 PM

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

Pitch and Weather Report

The SCG pitch is expected to provide assistance to the seam bowlers early on in the match. There is a hint of grass on the surface which will generate a little movement when the ball is new. However, once the ball gets old and soft, the batters will find it easier to play their shots. 160 is the average first innings total at this venue. 

Overcast conditions are expected throughout the day and there is a forecast for rain, which may lead to interruptions or even a reduced match.

SIX vs REN Squads   

SIX: James Vince, Josh Philippe(w), Steven Smith, Jack Edwards, Kurtis Patterson, Moises Henriques(c), Hayden Kerr, Tom Curran, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jackson Bird, Todd Murphy, Izharulhaq Naveed, Joel Davies, Mitchell Perry, Jordan Silk, Daniel Hughes, Steve OKeefe

REN: Aaron Finch, Joe Clarke(w), Jonathan Wells, Nic Maddinson(c), Mackenzie Harvey, Jordan Cox, Will Sutherland, Tom Rogers, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Fergus O Neill, Harry Dixon, Jake Fraser-McGurk

SIX vs REN Probable Playing XIs

SIX: Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe (wk), James Vince, Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Tom Curran, Hayden Kerr, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jackson Bird, Todd Murphy

REN: Quinton de Kock (wk), Nic Maddinson (c), Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, Jonathan Wells, Will Sutherland, Joe Clarke, Kane Richardson, Peter Siddle, Adam Zampa, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Match Prediction

Both teams have a pretty formidable squad on paper, and we can expect a neck to neck contest. However, SIX have a slight edge in this match. They will be playing at home with a tall batting order. We predict the SIX to open their AUS T20 League 23-24 campaign with a win. 

Suggested Playing XI Real11 Fantasy Cricket



Team 1

Team 2