The BBL13 Final has arrived, with the Sydney Sixers set to host the Brisbane Heat in a clash of the titans at the SCG!
Both teams have been dominant throughout this campaign, so it’s only fitting that they go head-to-head for ultimate glory on Wednesday night.
Draftstars have put up a massive $25,000 contest for this clash, so check out our preview before constructing your line-ups.
BIG BASH LEAGUE (BBL13) FINAL FANTASY TIPS: SIXERS VS HEAT
Sixers Squad: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Stephen O’Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk
Heat Squad: Nathan McSweeney, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Brown, Max Bryant, Jordan Buckingham, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mitch Swepson, Paul Walter, Charlie Wakim, Jack Wood
The Sydney Sixers have qualified for yet another BBL Final, and it’s hardly a surprise to anyone who has been watching this competition over the years.
Historically, only the Perth Scorchers have had Sydney’s measure, but the Sixers will face a less familiar opponent on Wednesday night.
The success of the Sixers can be attributed to the stability of their squad – the likes of Moises Henriques, Josh Phillipe, Jordan Silk, Sean Abbott and Steve O’Keefe have been on the books for several seasons, strengthening the chemistry of the team.
Known for their bowling prowess, the men in magenta will again look to dismantle Brisbane’s batting line-up as they did in The Qualifier – the Sixers bowled the Heat out for 113 that night.
It’s a task that Sydney will well and truly be up for, especially considering they have the hosting rights to this decider.
Likewise, the Heat will like their chances on Wednesday after a comprehensive victory over the Strikers in The Challenger.
Josh Brown’s record-breaking 140 set up the win, supported by a disciplined bowling display.
Brown’s knock had me eating my words after I said that the Heat no longer had a match-winning batsman in the wake of the departures of Colin Munro and Sam Billings.
However, I still doubt Brisbane’s ability to combat the Sixers bowling attack, which is clearly superior to Adelaide’s.
Nevertheless, it’s safe to say that the two best teams have qualified for The Final, so it’s sure to be a cracking game of cricket.
Fantasy Plays
Love It – Jack Edwards ($16,500)
Edwards has fallen into an ideal role at the back end of this BBL campaign, promoted to open the batting while also contributing heavily with the ball. Edwards’ true potential as an all-rounder was unlocked in The Qualifier when he tallied 143 DFS points against the opponents for Wednesday’s Final, so it’s fair to assume that he will play a massive role again.
Love It – Josh Brown ($15,700)
What a knock this man produced the other night! For those who have been living under a rock, Brown singlehandedly won The Challenger for Brisbane, bludgeoning 140 off just 57 balls for 264 DFS points. The hard hitting Heat opener will be full of confidence after that knock, and he has strong history against the Sixers, having hit 43 off 31 balls against them earlier this season.
Don’t Love It – Xavier Bartlett ($16,600)
Bartlett has been one of the top performers in BBL13, but his best form has deserted him during the finals. The Heat quick has produced scores of just 10 and 21 in these crunch fixtures, and the Sixers have been his worst matchup all campaign. As such, look to the other Brisbane seamers on this slate.
Don’t Love It – Joel Davies ($8,000)
Davies has been a bit-part player for the Sixers this campaign, averaging just 6 DFS points from three appearances. While the youngster may tempt some at the minimum price, I believe there are other value options on this slate with better scoring potential, namely Wakim who has a far superior role as an opening batsman.
Who Knows – Sean Abbott ($14,200)
It’s been a tough season for Abbott, who has averaged just 20 DFS points. Previously one of the league’s premier bowlers, Abbott has struggled to make an impact in BBL13 and his DFS price has fallen accordingly from the high teens to $14k. It’s certainly a tempting salary point for a bowler who has topped the wicket taker charts year in, year out, but the Sixers so many options that Abbott may play a supporting role on Wednesday.
Suggested Draftstars Lineup
