Sydney Sixers vs. Sydney Thunder – Big Bash League, January 22, 2021

Fancy another Sydney Derby?

Little over a week since they last met, the Sixers and the Thunder go head-to-head again on Friday, this time clashing at the Adelaide Oval.

The boys in magenta claimed the bragging rights last week, chasing down a reduced total. But with no rain forecasted for Friday, we should get a more even contest this time around.

After looking at the bookies’ odds, I provide my Sydney Sixers vs. Sydney Thunder prediction and betting pick.

The Sixers (1.76) currently hold a nine-point lead over the Thunder (1.95) in the standings, making it difficult to argue with the top online betting sites here.

Having said that, the odds gap for this matchup is extremely tight. If both sides bring their A-game on Friday, this will definitely be a closely-fought encounter.

Following a rough patch of two defeats in three games after the turn of the year, the Sixers appear to be back to their formidable best.

Having beaten the Heat, the Thunder, and the Scorchers in the space of six days, Greg Shipperd’s men head into the second Sydney Derby of the season on a three-game winning streak.

The form of Josh Philippe has been key to the Sixers’ recent run. The tournament’s leading run-scorer smashed 64 off 36 to get his side over the line against the Thunder before scoring 84 against the Scorchers last time out.

But despite Philippe’s individual brilliance, it has been a real team effort. Veteran all-rounder Dan Christian has been hugely effective with both bat and ball, while James Vince and Carlos Brathwaite have also shown world-class glimpses.

With a sizeable lead at the top of the table, the reigning champions are in pole position to defend their crown. The Sixers have won eight of their 11 matches this season, meaning the Thunder will have to be at their very best on Friday.

Another Big Bash 5️⃣0️⃣

Josh Philippe has 10 in his short career, and three already this season! #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/E8ayuL5Oyg

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 16, 2021

Unfortunately, the Thunder have been nowhere near their best in recent weeks. Not so long ago, a run of six wins in seven games saw Shane Bond’s men fly up the ladder. But they are currently on a three-game losing streak.

There have been a number of impressive individual performances lately. Sam Billings scored 83 in a narrow 17-run loss to the Scorchers, while Alex Hales (54) and Daniel Sams (50*) both notched up half-centuries in the defeat to the Sixers.

But while Shipperd’s men have pulled together recently, it feels like the Thunder are missing that vital team cohesion.

Bond’s men were blown away by the Hurricanes on Monday, with Ben McDermott falling just four runs short of a memorable century. The Thunder’s bowling attack looked bereft of ideas at Manuka Oval, so they will be hoping that Adelaide can be a happy hunting ground.

Given just how good Shipperd’s men have been so far this season, I think odds of 1.76 for the Sixers win seem relatively generous.

We all know that the Thunder are capable of beating the best teams in the competition. But right now, the Sixers definitely have the upper hand.

With the Thunder on a three-game losing streak and the Sixers enjoying a three-game winning run, I’m backing the defending champs to secure the victory on Friday.