Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder: Big Bash Friday preview

Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder will face off for the right to face the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash Final.

The Sixers lost to the Hurricanes in the Qualifier, but get a second bite of the cherry against their arch rivals the Thunder.

The Thunder set up the blockbuster clash after beating the Melbourne Stars in the Knockout and now all eyes look to Friday and the SCG.

There could not be a bigger Challenger showdown, and the iconic venue is sure to be packed to the rafters with pink and green.

The Sixers have enjoyed great success in the Big Bash and will head into the match as slight fancies, but the Thunder cannot be written off.

The harbour city enjoyed an epic firework show heading into the new year, and there could be more on Friday night.

Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder betting preview

Sixers missing key men

Sydney Sixers will once again be without a host of star players as they prepare to face the Thunder in the Challenger clash.

The Sixers have enjoyed a strong season but came unstuck against the Hurricanes when they were without the services of Steve Smith, Sean Abbott and Todd Murphy.

All three are with the Australian Test squad and missed the 12-run defeat against the Canes.

However the same thing happens to the Sixers each year, and they have won the competition without their star players before.

They will be confident that they have the players to step up on Friday night, and some valuable game-time against the Canes will have done them good.

Jordan Silk caught the eye with 57 runs from 44 deliveries against the Canes, while Kurtis Patterson also made 48 from 33.

Talented youngster Lachlan Shaw also finished on 33 not-out as the Sixers fell 12 runs short of their target.

Thunder set to strike

Sydney Thunder will head into the match full of confidence after seeing off Melbourne Stars in Wednesday night’s Knockout clash.

It was not the best batting performance on a difficult pitch, but the bowlers produced as the Thunder won by 21 runs.

Oliver Davies was the top batsman for the Thunder with 36 runs, while Matthew Gilkes and Sam Billings made 28 and 24 respectively.

The total of 135-7 looked reachable for the Stars, but the Thunder excelled with their bowling to skittle them out for 111.

Nathan McAndrew was player of the match as he took five wickets for the loss of just 16 runs in his four overs.

Tanveer Sangha also impressed with two wickets, including that of Glenn Maxwell, as the wickets tumbled.

It was an impressive display and on the evidence of Wednesday night, the Thunder have enough to trouble the Sixers.

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Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder betting odds

Sydney Sixers - 1.80
Sydney Thunder - 2.02

View the full market and more odds for Jannik Sinner v Ben Shelton on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.