Melbourne Stars haven't been good enough despite a few individual performances in the first four matches of the Big Bash League. The perennial underperformers of the BBL will be up against Sydney Thunder on Saturday, who have played back-to-back thrillers winning one and losing the other.

New Zealand will be up against Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series in Mount Maunganui on Saturday, December 28. New Zealand drew the two-match series against the same opponent away 1-1 but will be keen to do well as they build a new white-ball core.

Adelaide Strikers haven't had the best start to their campaign in the Big Bash League having lost two out of the three matches. With the tournament being truncated, the teams can't relax and even though Hobart Hurricanes are sailing in a similar boat, the Strikers will be keen to win on Friday.