MLSW vs SYDW 40th Match Prediction

MLSW vs SYDW Team Previews

Melbourne Stars Women

The Stars had a bit of a poor start to the season, as well as several abandoned matches due to rain, so all in all it hasn’t been the most productive year for the team. Still, the two games against the Strikers were something to talk about, as Melbourne won the first convincingly by 22 runs, and very nearly picked up the second if it wasn’t for Madeline Penna’s 56, not out.

Despite some good batting from Lauren Winfield-Hill and Annabel Sutherland, who remain the Stars’ top two scorers, the team has been hampered by inconsistent batting all season. Winfield-Hill had a very nice 74 runs against the Heat, but has failed to reach a half-century since then, although she came close when hitting 47 against the Strikers.

Sutherland has a lot of high 40s, but is also yet to reach above 50. These two have the talent, but seem unfocused at times.

We’d like to see much better batting effort from the likes of Jemimah Rodrigues, Alice Capsey, and Kim Garth, as the Stars’ middle order can collapse. There are moments of brilliance from this squad, and the signs point to this game against the Sixers where it could all come together for Melbourne.

Much of the bowling will be on the shoulders of Sasha Moloney (who picked a big 4/24 recently) and Sutherland. Kim Garth did start the season well enough, but has tailed off lately. She’s only had two wickets in her last five matches, but she’s due for a big game soon enough.

Sydney Sixers Women

The Sixers are second on the WBBL ladder and remain a big threat to win the title. Suzie Bates (230 runs) and Ellyse Perry (215 runs) continue to shine with the bat and lead their team to big wins. Bates is quite consistent, although Perry struggles with her scores being all over the place. Her four most recent games have been 69*, 1, 4*, and 0.

Ashleigh Gardner (14 wickets) and Sophie Ecclestone (13 wickets) are arguably the main reason the Sixers have been so incredible this season. They are troubling opposing batters on each pitch and Gardner especially is taking wickets in every match. Ecclestone has gone 0/40 in her last two games, however.