Today at the WBBL: Sixers could make it four in a row as Stars look to turn up Heat

With another full programme of matches in the WBBL, Sydney Sixers will be looking to continue their impressive run, meanwhile Melbourne Stars will be hot on their heels as they look to topple defending champions Brisbane Heat

Who’s playing? 

Game one: Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Thunder 

Game two: Melbourne Renegades v Adelaide Strikers 

Game three: Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars 

Game four: Sydney Sixers v Perth Scorchers 

After a fascinating day on Saturday (November 7), the WBBL readies itself to go again with a full programme of matches. 

With no break between rounds six and seven, those who won on Saturday will be looking to end the weekend on a high. As for the teams who lost, they’ll have to regroup and hope that they can pull something out of the bag. 

Sydney Thunder will be eager to bounce back after suffering their first defeat of WBBL 06 against Melbourne Renegades. Rachael Haynes’ 75th match in the competition didn’t go to plan as they fell short by two runs chasing 111. Four wickets from Sammy-Jo Johnson acts as some encouragement against Hobart Hurricanes. 

Like Thunder, Hurricanes will be looking to bounce back from a nine-run defeat to Sydney Sixers, who head the table. Having shown that they can be competitive against the in-form team of the tournament – Corinne Hall should be confident. With players like Hayley Matthews, Chloe Tryon and Nicola Carey at their disposal, Hurricanes have the strength to cause an upset if things go to plan. 

_{Hayley Matthews has taken five wickets in WBBL 06 so far}

Adelaide Strikers should fancy themselves to beat Melbourne Renegades, but with one win, one defeat and a no result in their last three matches, they are yet to find momentum as a group. Laura Wolvaardt has the ability to pick up a bat and continue from where she left off. Having scored 46 last time out, Renegades better do their homework if they want to get her early. Katie Mack scored 50 in their last game so early wickets will be the key in this one. 

Renegades will be looking to build momentum after their victory over Sydney Thunder, so they definitely can’t be ruled out.

Meg Lanning and Melbourne Stars will be looking to shine once again against defending champions Brisbane Heat. Heat are vulnerable having not won since the opening round of the competition. They have had moments of individual brilliance but have struggled to gel as a collective unit.   

Sydney Sixers should prevail in their match against Perth Scorchers. Unbeaten in the competition and with the best opening partnership in WBBL history alongside some other top-quality Australian names it should be a walk in the park. That being said, Perth will be up for it having not won since round three – when they defeated Melbourne Renegades via the DLS method. 

_{Nat Sciver has impressed for Melbourne Stars}

Who to look out for? 

Johnson has been in excellent form for  Thunder, having taken eight wickets and will be brimming with confidence. Heather Knight has been finding form of late, but never rule out Tammy Beaumont or Haynes – both can be dangerous with the bat when they get going. 

Despite only winning one game, Beth Mooney of Perth Scorchers will be fired up and raring to go against Sydney Sixers. With 152 runs to her name so far, she will want to try and shine on the big stage and cause an upset. 

Ashleigh Gardner has been in fine touch and is heading into Sydney Sixers’ match against Perth Scorchers off the back of a half-century. She’ll be looking to build on that and help her side maintain their unbeaten streak.

_{Beth Mooney will be looking to be the hero as Perth Scorchers play Sydney Sixers}

Predictions 

Sydney Thunder to get back to winning ways with victory over Hobart Hurricanes 

Adelaide Strikers to brush aside Melbourne Renegades 

Melbourne Stars to breeze past Brisbane Heat 

Sydney Sixers to make it four wins on the bounce with victory over Perth Scorchers 

Where can I watch? 

In Australia, Kayo Sports are showing all 59 matches through their streaming service. Remaining games are accessible either through Channel 7, Fox Cricket or cricket.com.au. 

UK broadcasters BT Sport 2 are showing two matches live. Melbourne Renegades v Adelaide Strikers will be live from 11pm on Saturday, followed by Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars from 2.30am on Sunday. 

What’s the weather looking like? 

The weather should cause no problems on Sunday. A grey start should turn into a bright afternoon once the clouds burn away. Highs of 19 degrees should make it a comfortable day for players.