BBL Tips and Previews, 27-28 January
The BBL 12 finals are here after what can only be described as a chaotic final day of the regular season. The Sydney Thunder almost threw a finals berth away when they struggled to chase the Melbourne Stars’ 119, while the Brisbane Heat missed out on a home final after they capitulated against the Hurricanes.
Nevertheless, here we are with two massive finals over the next two days. Bet Nation breaks down the four teams and their chances in The Eliminator and The Qualifier.
Sydney Thunder vs. Brisbane Heat
January 27th
The Sydney Thunder will consider themselves lucky to finish 4th after struggling to run down the 119 set by the Stars. Despite an impressive bowling performance from Usman Qadir (3/24) and Chris Green (2/19), the Thunder batsmen once again struggled until Daniel Sams rescued their innings with 28 (18) in the 19th over. David Warner is averaging just 12.6 since re-joining the Thunder and will need to regain his form if they are to progress through finals.
The Heat’s two-run loss to the Hurricanes will be remembered as one of the all-time chokes in BBL history. On a four-game winning streak and eyeing off a home final, the Heat failed to close out the game when they needed 19 runs off the final four overs with six wickets in hand. Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Matt Renshaw all failed to fire. Alternatively, Michael Neser continued his outstanding form with the ball, taking 4/35 (4). He finishes the regular season with 22 wickets and third overall.
While not the result they wanted going into the elimination final, the Heat will be buoyed by their recent form and the likelihood of either Khawaja, Labuschagne or Renshaw turning their form around. Oliver Davies has been a shining light in the Thunder’s top order with three 50s this campaign. But unless Warner or Gilkes successfully combats Neser’s early assault, the Heat should have too much firepower.
Suggested Bet:
Brisbane Heat to win at $2.02
Perth Scorchers vs. Sydney Sixers
January 28th
The Scorchers and Sixers will enter the qualifying final as the clear two best sides of the regular season with 11 and 10 wins, respectively.
The Scorchers secured top spot with a 10-run victory over the Renegades on the back of Cameron Bancroft’s 95* (50) and Stephen Eskinazi’s 54 (29). The Scorchers’ batting line-up has bullied bowling attacks from the outset, with Aaron Hardie (434 runs) and Josh Inglis (405) hitting four half-centuries each. They are both in the top five run-getters in the competition. Add in Eskinazi, Bancroft and Ashton Turner, and there’s little to no reprieve for opposition attacks. From a bowling perspective, Andrew Tye has led the charge with 24 wickets.
The Sixers are arguably the form side of the competition as they enter finals on a six-game winning streak. Steve Smith is redefining BBL batting with his three most recent performances resulting in two centuries and a 66. He has averaged 109.33 from four games and belted a mind blowing 24 sixes. Sydney also boasts the highest wicket-taker in the competition with Sean Abbott claiming 25 scalps, while Steve O’Keefe has spun his way to 12 wickets at a league-high 11.33.
It’s hard to split these two sides but we’re taking the finals experience of Perth on home soil.
