The Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 sees a thrilling encounter between Perth Scorchers (SCO) and Sydney Thunder (THU) in Match 22 today (January 3) at the Optus Stadium in Perth. It is a double header today and the first game was abandoned due to rain. With both teams performing strongly this season, the match promises to be a cracker, with the Scorchers hoping to strengthen their bid for a top-two finish. They are a tough opponent at home.
Currently sitting in second place with three wins and two losses, Perth will be eager to get back to winning ways after their recent defeat to the Melbourne Stars. Sydney Thunder, placed third with three wins from four matches, will look to continue their excellent form after a narrow victory over the Melbourne Renegades. David Warner and Wes Agar would love to continue their superb forms.
Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Thunder: SCO vs THU Match Details
- Match: Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Thunder, BBL 14
- Date: Friday, January 3, 2025
- Time: 3:45 PM IST / 10:15 AM GMT / 06:15 PM Local
- Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Thunder: SCO vs THU Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Optus Stadium Pitch Report
The Optus Stadium offers a pitch that favors fast bowlers, with lateral movement available for the new ball. After surviving the early overs, batters can score freely in the slog overs. The pitch generally supports pace and bounce, making it an ideal venue for quick bowlers to shine.
- Average First Innings Score: 164
- Chasing Advantage: Teams chasing have often found success, particularly under lights when conditions favor bowlers.
Perth Scorchers have won 14 of the 17 matches at home across the last two editions – 6 out of eight batting first and 8 out of nine while chasing. The Scorchers won both the home games this season against the Stars and the Heat.
Catch detailed stats below.
- Average First Innings Score: 170–180
- Chasing Advantage: Teams chasing have often enjoyed success, leveraging dew and improving batting conditions under lights.
Pace vs Spin at Optus Stadium in BBL (Since 2022/23)
Pacers:
- Balls Bowled: 466.1 overs
- Wickets: 167
- Economy Rate: 8.16
- Strike Rate: 16.7
- Dot Ball Percentage: 41%
- Spinners:
- Balls Bowled: 187.3 overs
- Wickets: 43
- Economy Rate: 7.86
- Strike Rate: 26.1
- Dot Ball Percentage: 29%
Weather Conditions
- Temperature: 27.8°C
- Humidity: 50%
- Rain Probability: Minimal, clear skies expected.
Perth Scorchers Team Preview
The Scorchers boast a well-rounded side led by Ashton Turner, with impressive performances across both batting and bowling. Cooper Connolly is in excellent form, leading the run-scoring charts with 229 runs, and Jason Behrendorff has been a revelation with the ball, picking up nine wickets. Nick Hobson has been in superb hitting form, maintaining a strike rate of 218.42.
Probable Playing XI:
- Finn Allen
- Matty Hurst (wk)
- Cooper Connolly
- Aaron Hardie
- Ashton Turner (c)
- Nick Hobson
- Ashton Agar
- Matthew Kelly
- Andrew Tye
- Jason Behrendorff
- Lance Morris
Key Players to Watch:
- Cooper Connolly: The standout performer for the Scorchers, Connolly leads the run-scoring charts with 229 runs in five matches. His consistency and ability to score quickly make him a key asset to the team.
- Jason Behrendorff: A seasoned bowler, Behrendorff has been in exceptional form, claiming nine wickets at an average of just 13.22. His economy rate of 5.95 is the best among bowlers with more than five wickets in the tournament.
- Ashton Turner: The captain of the Scorchers, Turner has been a dominant force with the bat, scoring 141 runs at a strike rate of 150. His leadership and match-winning abilities have already proven essential.
Sydney Thunder Team Preview
Sydney Thunder, under the captaincy of David Warner, have been consistent this season. Warner’s leadership has been crucial, contributing with the bat, while the Thunder’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Wes Agar and Lockie Ferguson, has been formidable.
Probable Playing XI:
- Cameron Bancroft
- David Warner (c)
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Oliver Davies
- Sam Billings (wk)
- Matthew Gilkes
- Chris Green
- Daniel Sams
- Tom Andrews
- Lockie Ferguson
- Wes Agar
Key Players to Watch:
- David Warner: The captain of Sydney Thunder, Warner has been in tremendous form with the bat, scoring 129 runs in four innings at an average of 43. His experience and ability to anchor the innings while also playing aggressive shots make him the key player for Thunder.
- Wes Agar: Agar has been the standout bowler for Sydney Thunder, taking seven wickets in just two matches at an impressive average of 8.14.
- Lockie Ferguson: Ferguson, the New Zealand pace dynamo, has been a constant wicket-taker for Sydney Thunder.
- Sam Billings: A key figure in the Thunder’s middle order, Billings has contributed 126 runs at an average of 42 and a strike rate of 148.23.
Dream11 Fantasy Prediction for SCO vs THU
BBL 2024/25: Where to Watch SCO vs THU in India
SCO vs THU: The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and can also be streamed online on the Disney+ Hotstar App. The action kicks off at 3:45 PM IST on January 3, 2025.