Sydney Thunder vs. Melbourne Renegades – Big Bash League, December 26, 2020

Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades clash for the first of two Big Bash matches taking place on Boxing Day.

Back-to-back victories have seen the Thunder climb to fourth in the table, while the Gades are sixth after only managing to win one of their opening three games.

If you’re thinking about wagering on Saturday’s BBL 10 clash, make sure you check out my Sydney Thunder vs. Melbourne Renegades prediction and betting pick below.

As you can see, the best online betting sites can barely split these two teams. The Renegades (1.83) are marginal favorites here, but the Thunder (1.91) aren’t too far behind.

Shane Bond’s side currently holds a three-point lead over the Gades, yet the bookies seem to think that the Melbourne outfit has the upper hand heading into this one.

After losing to the Stars on opening day, the Thunder needed a big response against Brisbane in their second match. Thankfully, Daniel Sams delivered.

The all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 65 off just 25 deliveries against the Heat, with Alex Ross (34) and Ben Cutting (29) playing supporting roles in the four-wicket victory.

Last time out, it was Callum Ferguson’s turn to steal the limelight. The captain hit 61 not-out as the Thunder edged the Scorchers by seven wickets with just three balls to spare. Cutting added another impressive cameo innings, scoring 29 off 16.

The Thunder has been relying on their batting line-up to win games in BBL 10 so far, but the bowling attack hasn’t really gotten going this season. Sams is their leading wicket-taker with four runs to his name, so he will be hoping that his teammate’s chip in soon.

The KFC Player of the Match is the evergreen Callum Ferguson! @KFCAustralia | #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/SMrtcn6SCN

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 22, 2020

The Renegades could hardly have dreamed of a better start to the campaign. Michael Klinger’s men crushed the Scorchers by seven wickets in their first match, but it’s been all downhill since then.

The team’s weaknesses were exposed in a humiliating 145-run loss to the Sixers. Chasing 205/4, the Gades were bowled out for just 60 runs – the second-lowest total in Big Bash history.

The Melbourne side put up more of a fight in their previous outing, although they were still unable to avoid defeat. Sam Harper (66) and Rilee Rossouw (59) helped their team to reach 157/5 after 20 overs, yet the Hurricanes managed to win with 14 balls left.

With the addition of a bonus point, the Renegades have managed to claim four points from their opening three games. But with more points on offer than ever before, it’s fair to say that Klinger’s side has made a poor start to BBL 10.

I’ve been impressed with the Thunder so far this season. Star players like Ferguson and Sams have hit the ground running, making the Sydneysiders a serious threat.

On the flip side, the Renegades have made a slow start to the new campaign. Many of their key performers are yet to get off the mark, so I’m expecting the in-form Thunder to take advantage of the Gades on Boxing Day.