Sydney Thunder are set to face major rivals, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers, in their two visits to the nation’s capital this summer, with the club’s matchups for Manuka announced today.
As confirmed last month, Thunder will host two home matches in Canberra this season, with the club's three remaining home games to be held at Sydney Showground Stadium.
The first of the two trips to Manuka will see Thunder face the Heat on December 12, in a rematch of last summer’s crushing Eliminator Final in which Brisbane progressed through, as wet weather wreaked havoc on Sydney.
One of the league’s longest-standing rivalries, a host of players, from star international recruit Sam Billings to former Thunder captains Shane Watson and Usman Khawaja have switched sides over the years, trading lime green and teal.
Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers | Manuka Oval
Sunday, January 14 | 7.15pm (AEDT)
Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat | Manuka Oval
Tuesday, December 12 | 7.15pm (AEDT)
Canberra fans will also have the opportunity to witness Thunder take on a newer rival, the Strikers – the side responsible for the now infamous match in which they bowled the Thunder out for 15 last summer.
Thunder had the last laugh in BBL|12 however, claiming a place in the BBL Finals while the Strikers finished outside of the top five, adding fuel to the fire ahead of their meeting this season.
Sydney Thunder 2023/24 memberships now on-sale!
Head of Sydney Thunder, Andrew Gilchrist said the club was looking forward to getting back to Canberra this summer.
“The club is excited to be bringing two home games to Canberra this season and we're really pleased to be able to announce two great fixtures. We have history with both the Heat and the Strikers, and we know our fans in Canberra can expect two fantastic matches.
"Canberra is somewhere that we always look forward to playing and this summer is no different. We get great support and the Thunder Nation continue to show up for us, year after year."
Further details about the upcoming season, including the KFC BBL|13 Draft will be announced in due course. The complete KFC BBL|13 fixture is expected in coming days.
Sydney Thunder BBL|13 Squad:
Head Coach: Trevor Bayliss
Contracted for BBL|13: Cameron Bancroft, Ollie Davies, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner.