Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars, Match 20: The Scorchers Have Defeated the Stars in the Last Four Encounters

• Perth Scorchers lead the head-to-head scoreline against Melbourne Stars by 12-8. 
• The Scorchers have defeated the Stars in the last four encounters.  
• Perth are coming off two straight wins while Melbourne Stars have lost their last two.

Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars Odds

Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars Prediction and Pick

The historical record between these two teams is in favor of Perth Scorchers, who have won 12 out of 21 clashes. Melbourne Stars have won eight games with one resulting in a washout. The Scorchers have also won the last four encounters between the two and look like a stronger side on paper this season. We predict Perth Scorchers to win this clash on Thursday.

Predicted XI

Perth Scorchers: Adam Lyth, Faf du Plessis, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis (wk), Ashton Turner (c), Aaron Hardie, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Hatzoglou

Melbourne Stars: Joe Clarke (wk), Thomas Rogers, Beau Webster, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin, Campbell Kellaway, Luke Wood, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Trent Boult, Adam Zampa (c)

Perth Scorchers look to strengthen top four positions while Melbourne Stars battle form and injury worries 

Melbourne Stars will look for a payback when they take on Perth Scorchers in match no. 20 of the Big Bash League 2022-23. The two teams will meet at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Thursday, December 29th. 

Ashton Turner-led Scorchers sit in the top four with six points, having won three and lost a game. They hammered the Stars by 61 runs in Melbourne and followed it up with a three-wicket win over Adelaide Strikers.  

On Monday, Perth bowlers did a good job to restrict the Strikers to 133/7 with Andrew Tye taking 3 for 30. Chasing the target, they lost their top three inside three overs and were 72/6 at the halfway stage. Turner and Jhye Richardson then added 43 runs for the eighth wicket. Captain Turner remained unbeaten on 48 off 38 to take his side home. 

Melbourne Stars are reeling at seventh place on the table and need to get a move on asap. They have played four games and have lost three of those. After suffering a 61-run thrashing by the Scorchers, they lost to Sydney Sixers by seven wickets. 

Marcus Stoinis-less Stars struggled with the bat before Beau Webster rescued them with a brilliant 78 off 51 to stretch the total to 150. Luke Wood and Adam Zampa shared 2 for 47 off eight overs but others could not keep the lid on run-scoring as the Sixers finished the chase with five balls to spare. 

Team News

Perth Scorchers have a strong batting line-up with the likes of Faf du Plessis, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, and Ashton Turner making contributions so far. Adam Lyth hasn't been at his best and needs to step up asap. The bowling department has been outstanding for the Scorchers. The pace attack of Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, and Andrew Tye has been effective while the spin duo of Ashton Agar and Peter Hatzoglou has done its job. 

Melbourne Stars opted to rest Marcus Stoinis and Nathan Coulter-Nile for the previous fixture to manage their workload. The duo should be back for this game. The bowling attack of Trent Boult, Luke Wood, Adam Zampa, and Coulter-Nile looks decent but was obliterated by the Scorchers the last time they faced. In the batting department, they have had to rely on Joe Clarke a lot with Marcus Stoinis and Hilton Cartwright, not in great form. Beau Webster's performance in the previous game is an encouraging sign.  

Key Players 

Faf du Plessis has done a decent job for the Scorchers as a replacement player. The South African batter scored 32 off 16 versus Hobart and followed it up with 68 off 33 against the Stars. Du Plessis has amassed over 8100 runs in the shorter format at an average of 31 while striking at 131.  

Luke Wood has been superb for the Stars this season, picking 9 wickets in four games albeit expensive in the last encounter against the Scorchers. The left-arm pacer will be looking to redeem himself and has the skill set to do it. Luke Wood has taken 83 wickets in the format at 8.37 economy.

How to Watch Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars

What: Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars, Match 20, BBL 2022-23

Where: Optus Stadium, Perth 

When: December 29, 2022 / 5:15 AM EST 

How to watch: Sony Sports Network/Sony LIV (India), SportsMax (Caribbean), Fox Sports & Channel 7 (Australia), Sky Sport NZ (New Zealand), SuperSport (South Africa), Willow TV (USA), Sky Sports Cricket (United Kingdom)