Sat 12 Dec 2020 @ Manuka Oval, Canberra<\/em><\/p>\n A brilliant bowling and fielding display by the Melbourne Stars kicked off their season on Friday night with a comfortable win over the Heat. Nathan Coulter-Nile was excellent with ball in hand as he took an incredible 4-10 off 3.5 overs, while also adding 2 run-outs. Hussain also picked up 2 key wickets, including Heat topscorer Tom Cooper. In chase of 125, the Stars had a few nervous moments as Stoinis was out 2nd ball caught behind. But Hilton Cartwright and the Maxwell show steadied the innings as Melbourne passed the total with 6 wickets remaining.<\/p>\n Sydney were heavily backed for the spoon last season but made some noise in the finals by knocking out the Hurricanes and Strikers. They fell short to the Stars in the finals so there\u2019s a revenge factor here for the Thunder. They come into BBL10 with a similar lineup as last year. Their batting is led by Hales and Khawaja at the top. Then you have the experience of Ferguson and Ross. Their lower order is likely their weak area so building partnerships is the key. Bowling wise, Daniel Sams is back after a breakout season and a spot in Australia\u2019s T20 team. They\u2019ve also added Kiwi Adam Milne, Ben Cutting from the Heat and Chris Green returns from suspension. <\/p>\n The Stars have a great advantage in this matchup having already played their first match of the season. In contrast, the Thunder may be a tad rusty in their first game of BBL10. We\u2019re not sold on the Thunder\u2019s batting options if early wickets fall and they also don\u2019t have a great BBL record in Canberra. Back the Stars for a 2-0 start here.<\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The Thunder have a poor 1-4 record in Canberra. Melbourne beat the Heat by 6 wickets on Friday night at this venue.<\/p>\n