Event of the Day: Adelaide Strikers versus Sydney Thunder
Our event of the day is the Big Bash League fixture between the Adelaide Strikers and the Sydney Thunder at the Adelaide Oval. The hosts have made a far from perfect start to this season after winning just one of their first three games. Meanwhile, Sydney currently reside in second place in the league having won two of their first three and they will be keen to notch their third win of the season in Adelaide tonight. What could act as a good omen for the Strikers is they have never lost a game in the BBL on New Year's Eve, winning their last five fixtures on the final night of the year. However, they will need to improve upon their recent below par performances if they are going to end 2018 with a flourish. Should the reigning champs manage to snap their two-game losing streak, star bowler Peter Siddle will need to register an impressive performance with the ball in his hand as one of the Strikers’ key players.
Despite losing to the league leaders Hobart Hurricanes last time out, Sydney Thunder will be full of confidence travelling to the Adelaide Oval. They have certainly improved since last season, where they managed to notch just four wins from their ten BBL fixtures. The performances of Jos Buttler have certainly aided their upswing in form, with the Englishman stamping his mark on the league. Only D’Arcy Short of the Hurricanes has scored more runs than Buttler this season, who has already registered 172, and the Strikers will have a tough job containing him in this 2018 curtain-closer. It should be an exciting game of T20 cricket.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Hopman Cup tennis, where USA take on Greece in Perth. Each nation is compiled of a mixed doubles pairing, with Frances Tiafoe playing alongside Serena Williams for the USA, whilst Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari make up the Greek contingency in Australia. There is also a busy night of NBA action to take place before the ball drops at midnight, with the Lakers hosting the Sacramento Kings, whilst the Atlanta Hawks travel to Indiana to take on the Pacers. In the NHL, the Washington Capitals host the Nashville Predators at the Capital One Arena, where the visitors will be desperate to snap their six-game losing streak. Finally, there is international football today as South Korea face Saudi Arabia and Qatar go up against Iran.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy, and Happy New Year!
Photos by Adelaide Strikers; ESPN Cricinfo