BBL Tips and Previews, 19-20 January
Sydney Thunder vs. Melbourne Renegades
January 19th
The importance of Thursday night’s game between the Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades cannot be underestimated, with the Thunder looking to keep their BBL 12 finals chances alive.
Just one win separates the Renegades in third and the Thunder in sixth. But with the Strikers and Hurricanes on the same number of points (10), Sydney will make life incredibly difficult for themselves if they lose against the men in red.
The Sydneysiders lost to the Hurricanes by five wickets on Sunday after setting a total of just 135 with the bat. They’ve now lost three in a row and averaged just 126 runs in those three games.
A win for the Renegades would cement their first finals appearance since winning the silverware in 2018/19.
Sam Harper’s 51 (36) and Jonathan Wells’ 44 (24) were the catalysts to their six-run victory in Saturday’s Melbourne Derby, while Kane Richardson’s death bowling was at its best with figures of 2/17 (4).
If they can keep David Warner to another low score, and with so much on the line, the Renegades’ should have the bowling arsenal to steer them to victory.
Suggested Bet:
Melbourne Renegades to win at $1.98
Adelaide Strikers vs. Perth Scorchers
January 20th
After being leapfrogged by the Sydney Sixers 24 hours earlier, Perth Scorchers wasted no time regaining the top spot on the ladder with a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes.
The Scorchers bowlers have been a feature once again this BBL season and delivered a masterclass when reducing the Hurricanes to 7/96 before a late Tom Andrews, and Nathan Ellis partnership rescued their score.
Despite losing openers Stephen Eskinazi (0) and Cam Bancroft (1) cheaply, Aaron Hardie (90*) and Josh Inglis (53) blasted their side to victory with a 127-run third-wicket partnership. It’s just another example of the depth Perth possesses in their batting ranks.
It’s been a lean week for the Strikers, who have lost three on the trot following their 59-run thumping from the Sixers. Chris Lynn was a notable omission after fulfilling his 11-game contract and departing Adelaide for the UAE.
With two consecutive failures from Travis Head and no Lynn for the remainder of the tournament, momentum is against the Strikers at this point.
Suggested Bet:
Top Adelaide Batsman: Matthew Short at $3.60
Brisbane Heat vs. Hobart Hurricanes
January 20th
The Hurricanes came back to earth on Wednesday night, falling to the Scorchers by seven wickets.
The Hurricanes had won two in a row and were the form side of those vying for the fourth spot, but the Scorchers’ bowlers outclassed them. After crumbling to 7/96, Tom Andrews’ 27 (21) and Nathan Ellis’ 24 (18) added respectability to their total of 146.
On the other side of the fence, the Brisbane Heat were incredible in their recent clash with the Melbourne Stars. Matt Renshaw punched out one of the best innings of the season with a 56-ball 90*, including a scoop shot to the fine leg boundary to win the game on the last ball.
Michael Neser starred with 4/25 (4), Jimmy Pierson chipped in with a handy 22 (18), and the Heat recorded their fourth win on the season.
The Heat will enter this clash with renewed confidence, but it’s a must-win if the Hurricanes are serious about finals.
