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
Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers in match 27 of the WBBL; the eighth edition of the tournament.
The game is scheduled to start at 7.05pm local time (8.05am BST) on Wednesday, November 2.
The North Sydney Oval is set to stage this match.
Sydney Sixers have been superb this year. Having only lost one of their six games, they are at the top of the table with 10 points. Erin Burns has been destructive in the middle order, averaging 60.67 at an eye-catching strike rate of 159.65.
The Sixers have been equally destructive at the top of the order, with Suzie Bates currently second for runs scored. In their last match, Bates and Alyssa Healy both scored half-centuries in a stunning 151-run partnership against Melbourne Stars.
Sophie Ecclestone and Maitlan Brown have been key to their success, having both taken 12 wickets each. Ecclestone in particular has been economical, creating pressure in the middle overs. Lauren Cheatle has also found some form recently, taking 3 for 28 in their win over Melbourne Renegades.
Erin Burns on the attack (Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
Sydney Thunder have only won one match this year and are seventh in the table. Although their batting has let them down, Thunder will be encouraged by the recent performances of their top order. Phoebe Litchfield has found some form opening the batting, scoring two half-centuries in three games and Tammy Beaumont looked good for her 77 off 59 against the Scorchers.
Thunder can also be confident by their bowlers' recent form. Lauren Smith took a sensational 5 for 17 against Perth and Lea Tahuhu’s three wickets were vital in their win over Brisbane. Despite such a poor start, both aspects of their game have started to find form and Thunder will hope a derby will inspire some match-winning performances.
The last time this derby took place, Thunder comfortably won with 28 balls remaining. Issy Wong, who is injured for the tournament this year, got player of the match for figures of 2 for 27.
An exciting match-up on Wednesday will be Ecclestone bowling to her international teammates, Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones. They will want to get the better of each other and will know their opponents' game very well.
Ash Gardner has bowled well in the powerplay for the Sixers but will have to have a plan against the in-form Litchfield.
England wicket-keeper Amy Jones has started scoring some runs after a tough start to the tournament, but will be looking to kick on to a high score now she has had some time in the middle.
The weather is forecasted to be sunny with temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius.
Hannah Darlington and Thalia Wilson return to the Thunder squad after injury.
Claire Moore comes into the Sixers squad for Emma Hughes, who is recovering from an ACL injury.
Lea Tahuhu (Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Sydney Thunder: Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Deandra Dottin, Tahlia McGrath, Tegan McPharlin, Annie O’Neil, Bridget Patterson, Maddie Penna, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura Wolvaardt, Ella Wilson, Anesu Mushangwe, Meagan Dixon, Katie Mack
Sydney Sixers: Meg Lanning (unavailable - personal reasons), Alice Capsey, Lucy Cripps, Sophie Day, Nicole Faltum (c), Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Rhys McKenna, Sasha Moloney, Sophie Reid, Jemimah Rodrigues, Annabel Sutherland, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Hasrat Gill, Olivia Henry
Sydney Thunder: Tammy Beaumont, Phoebe Litchfield, Rachael Haynes, Amy Jones, Tahlia Wilson, Anika Learoyd, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Hannah Darlington, Lauren Smith, Belinda Vakarewa, Sam Bates
Sydney Sixers: Alyssa Healy, Suzie Bates, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Erin Burns, Maitlan Brown, Nicole Bolton, Sophie Ecclestone, Ange Genford, Lauren Cheatle, Kate Peterson
Sydney Sixers are strong favourites at 4/11. The bookies have Sydney Thunder to win at 9/4.
Sydney Sixers are likely to continue their good start to the tournament. A combination of their powerful top-order batting and skilful bowling makes them a difficult team to beat.
Yes. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults and concessions and free for children (under 17 years) and can be purchased on Ticketek.
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.
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