BBL Tips and Previews, 24-25 January
The countdown to the BBL 12 finals series is almost over, with just three games to play in the regular season. Perth Scorchers and the Sydney Sixers secured the top two positions in dominant fashion, but the fight for the remaining three is well and truly still on. Five teams are still in the hunt for those three spots; as luck would have it, they all play in the last three games. Bet Nation takes a look at the compelling conclusion to the regular season.
Melbourne Renegades vs. Adelaide Strikers
January 24th
The Renegades were unsuccessful in their last outing against the Scorchers but will be buoyed by an improved performance with the bat.
Despite falling ten runs short of the Scorcher’s 5/212, the Renegades delivered their highest score of BBL 12 with an Aaron Finch-led 5/202. The superstar veteran took Andrew Tye for 31 off one over on his way to an unbeaten 76* (35). Alongside Shaun Marsh’s 54 (34), the Renegades will enter this one confident of hitting a winning score.
Alternatively, the Strikers will need to turn their fortunes around significantly after losing their past four in a row. With Chris Lynn leaving for the UAE last week, the responsibility has fallen mainly on Travis Head, who has struggled with scores of 1, 5 and 9.
Suggested Bet:
Melbourne Renegades to win at $1.94
Hobart Hurricanes vs. Brisbane Heat
January 25th
Both mathematically and form-wise, the Brisbane Heat are the most likely to make finals and enter their return clash with Hobart on the back of a four-game winning streak.
Sitting in the third spot on the ladder and one point clear of the Renegades and Thunder, the Heat has turned their season around since suffering back-to-back losses to the scorchers. They only hosted the Hurricanes last Friday, where Michael Neser ran through the top order and finished with figures of 3/27 (4).
The Hurricanes sit in the seventh spot following their 24-run loss to the Sixers on Monday night. Patrick Dooley was a threat with the ball again and finished with 3/42 (4), while Zak Xrawley returned to form with 49 (45).
Suggested Bet:
Brisbane Heat to win at $2.05
Melbourne Stars vs. Sydney Thunder
January 25th
While the other five teams are looking to keep their seasons alive, the Melbourne Stars are resigned to last place and a third straight year without finals.
The Green Machine was gallant against the Brisbane Heat on Sunday but ultimately fell four runs short of securing their fourth win on the season.
They now have an opportunity to end the Sydney Thunder’s chances of progressing to the postseason after Steve Smith and the Sixers in the Sydney Smash dismantled them.
The Thunder’s bowlers had no answer for Smith’s assault and watched on as he notched a second consecutive century. Just as worrying for the Thunder, they were bowled out for 62 from less than 15 overs.
They’ve lost four of their past five games and will rely heavily on David Warner returning to form at the top of the order.
