WBBL08 match preview: Sydney Sixers v Hobart Hurricanes

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 Sixers take on Hobart Hurricanes in match 54 of the WBBL; the eighth edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 1.40pm local time (2.40am GMT) on Sunday, November 20.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played in Sydney at the North Sydney Oval.

Who's got the form?

Sydney Sixers are the side to beat in WBBL08. Charlotte Edwards' side have won 10 matches from a possible 13, including their past four, and have already sealed both top spot in the table and their place in the final. The Sixers are two-time WBBL champions but hadn't reached the final since 2018/19.

Hobart Hurricanes, meanwhile, are fighting for their spot in the top four. The three-time wooden spoon winners, who haven't qualified for the playoffs since WBBL02, have won seven of their 12 matches, including four of their past six, to climb up to third in the table.

However, they are just two points clear of fifth-placed Perth Scorchers and must beat the Sixers, or hope either the Scorchers or the Strikers fall short, to keep their title hopes alive.

When the two sides met earlier in the competition, Sydney Sixers won by eight wickets in a rain-reduced clash.

^{Ashleight Gardner has been in fantastic form for Sydney Sixers [Sarah Reed/Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

Sydney Sixers are not short of match winners. Ellyse Perry (319 runs), Alyssa Healy (303 runs), Erin Burns (294 runs) and Suzie Bates (281 runs) have all been among the runs while Sophie Ecclestone (111 at a strike rate of 156.33) has been a powder keg lower down the order. With the ball, Ecclestone (16 wickets), Lauren Cheatle (15 wickets) and Maitlan Brown (12 wickets) have all impressed.

However, Ashleigh Gardner has been the standout performer, scoring 294 runs at a strike rate of 153.12 and taking a competition-leading 22 wickets while maintaining an economy of 6.3. And the allrounder was player of the match when these two sides met in Ballarat, scoring 43 (22), picking up four wickets and taking two catches.

For the Hurricanes, Mignon du Preez and Molly Strano have been the pick of their performers, with the former scoring 328 runs and the latter picking up 18 wickets. However, Heather Graham, Elyse Villani and Lizelle Lee could all make key contributions.

What's the weather forecast?

Sunny conditions and temperatures in the mid-20s are expected in Sydney.

What is the team news?

Both sides have been fairly consistent in their selections in 2022 and aren't expected to make any changes.

What are the squads?

Sydney Sixers: Ellyse Perry (c), Jade Allen, Suzie Bates, Nicole Bolton, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Stella Campbell, Lauren Cheatle, Sophie Ecclestone, Ash Gardner, Ange Genford, Alyssa Healy, Kate Peterson

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 Sixers: Suzie Bates, Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Erin Burns, Nicole Bolton, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Peterson, Ange Genford, Lauren Cheatle, Stella Campbell

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

^{Molly Strano has impressed for Hobart Hurricanes [Steve Bell/Getty Images]}

What are the odds?

Sydney Sixers are available at 8/15 while Hobart Hurricanes are at 7/4.

What's the prediction?

Sydney Sixers have been too strong for almost everyone in WBBL08 and should take this one.

Are tickets available?

Standard tickets are available.

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. Coverage of the competition resumes on November 18.

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.