WBBL08 match preview: Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Thunder

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2022 Weber WBBL

What's the match?

Sydney Thunder take on Hobart Hurricanes in match ten of the WBBL; the eighth edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 7.05pm local time (9.05am BST) on Tuesday, October 18.

Where is the match being played?

Blacktown ISP Oval in Sydney is set to stage this match.

Who's got the form?

These two sides have already met in the 2022/23 WBBL, with Hobart Hurricanes completing a 19-run victory on October 14. New signing Heather Graham was the standout performer for the Hurricanes, picking up 3 for 15, while Mignon du Preez (33 off 27) and Rachel Trenaman (31 off 31) led the way with the bat.

Thunder then faced defending champions Perth Scorchers in their second outing of the season and lost by nine wickets after being restricted to 88 for 8. They are currently rooted to the bottom of the table and are one of three teams yet to register a point.

The Hurricanes have also taken on Perth Scorchers and suffered a similar fate. Elyse Villani's side were restricted to 109 for 9, a total Sophie Devine's Scorchers chased down with eight wickets and 35 balls to spare.

^{Heather Graham impressed when the two sides met earlier in the season [Jason McCawley/Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

In the opening two matches of WBBL08, both Thunder and Scorchers did a good job of keeping Villani quiet. The Hurricanes skipper was dismissed for three against Thunder, stumped by Tahlia Wilson off the bowling of Sam Bates, and departed for nought (pinned lbw by Alana King) against Scorchers. And with her back in the shed early in both matches, Hurricanes have posted 125 and 109.

Villani has an impressive record in the WBBL, scoring 2,852 runs at a strike rate around 115, and last season scored 439 at 43.90 (122.28) for Melbourne Stars. Continuing her lean spell will therefore be crucial for Thunder, who themselves have struggled for runs and may find a score in excess of 120 hard to chase or set.

What's the weather forecast?

There's a 40 per cent chance of rain for much of the afternoon and evening in Sydney.

What is the team news?

Amy Jones is now available for Sydney Thunder after missing their first two matches but will not take Tahlia Wilson's place behind the stumps. South African allrounder Chloe Tryon is set to be rested, opening the door for Lea Tahuhu to continue in the XI, this time as cover for the injured Hannah Darlington.

Hobart Hurricanes have named the same XI in both of their fixtures to date.

^{Tahlia Wilson (left) has been backed to retain the gloves in spite of Amy Jones' availability [Jason McCawley/Getty Images]}

What are the squads?

Sydney Thunder: Samantha Bates, Hannah Darlington, Jess Davidson, Rachael Haynes, Phoebe Litchfield, Olivia Porter, Lauren Smith, Tahlia Wilson, Tammy Beaumont, Corinne Hall, Anika Learoyd, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Chloe Tryon, Amy Jones, Belinda Vakarewa, Lea Tahuhu (overseas replacement signing), Saskia Horley (local replacement)

Hobart Hurricanes: Nicola Carey, Julia Cavanough, Mignon du Preez, Maisy Gibson, Heather Graham, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Emma Manix-Geeves, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Naomi Stalenberg, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Elyse Villani, Issy Wong (injured, replaced by Hayley Jensen)

What are the possible starting XIs?

Sydney Thunder: Tammy Beaumont, Phoebe Litchfield, Rachael Haynes, Amy Jones, Tahlia Wilson, Anika Learoyd, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Lea Tahuhu, Lauren Smith, Belinda Vakarewa, Samantha Bates

Hobart Hurricanes: Elyse Villani, Lizelle Lee, Rachel Trenaman, Mignon du Preez, Heather Graham, Ruth Johnston, Nicola Carey, Naomi Stalenberg, Molly Strano, Hayley Jensen, Maisy Gibson

What are the odds?

Hobart Hurricanes are available at 11/17 while Sydney Thunder are at 13/10.

What's the prediction?

Despite their mixed record, Hobart Hurricanes have looked the better side in the early stages of the competition. Hurricanes win.

Are tickets available?

Yes, tickets are available for this fixture, with adults able to watch the match $10.

Where can I watch the game?

Sky Sports holds the UK rights for the WBBL. This game will be shown on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 9am (BST).

In Australia, fans will be able to watch all 59 matches in the WBBL live and free on either the Seven Network or cricket.com.au

A total of 24 games will be televised on free-to-air on Seven and simulcast on Foxtel and Kayo, while the remaining 35 games will be shown on Foxtel and Kayo Sports and also live streamed for free on cricket.com.au.