We’re getting to the business end of the 2017-18 Big Bash League and the final four appears to be pretty much set. The Strikers and Scorchers have proven themselves to be the teams to beat while the Hurricanes have surprised most this season with some standout performances earning them a finals berth. The fourth spot is still up for grabs but you’d think the Renegades should be able to do enough to hold on, after the Heat put in a disastrous performance against the Sixers.
We’ve been in good form all season and last round brought us some great results so we’re also looking to finish the season strong with our BBL07 Round 9 Preview & Betting Tips!
BBL07 Round 9 Betting Tips
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder (MCG, Saturday 6:10pm AEDT)
We kick off with a double-header with the Stars hosting the Thunder at the MCG in the first match of the round. Both teams have had disappointing seasons, and will be hoping to salvage something from their remaining games.
Many are questioning the culture of the Stars, and most certainly, the broom will be out to sweep a few out the door at the end of the season. Already imports Kevin Pietersen and Luke Wright have announced this will be their last year, and I’m sure they won’t be the only ones to find new homes. Wright will also miss this game against the Thunder due to delayed concussion from a blow on the helmet last match, with Ben Hilfenhaus the surprising call-up to the squad. I’m not sure why Hilfy wasn’t considered earlier in the season. On paper, the likes of KP, Glenn Maxwell and Peter Handscomb should be able to post some strong targets, but with the ball, the Stars really have no weapons. Jackson Coleman looks a promising type and great to see him given an extended run.
The Thunder have been equally disappointing as finals now look beyond their reach. With Usman Khawaja back at the top of the order, the Thunder look capable of beating anyone, but their depth drops away pretty quickly. Arjun Nair was one who has been an emerging talent this year, but he has been suspended from bowling for a suspect action which is a real shame. He remains with the squad, but it’s hard to see him played as purely a batsman.
This is not a game I want to get too heavily invested in. The Thunder as slight favourites and that seems about right. A small bet on the Thunder.
TIP: Sydney Thunder to win - $1.83 at CrownBet
Perth Scorchers vs Hobart Hurricanes (WACA, Saturday 9:30pm AEDT)
The Hurricanes head west to take on the Scorchers in a battle of 2nd vs 3rd. This match could determine a home final, so it should be a cracking contest.
The Scorchers will welcome back skipper Adam Voges from his suspension for slow over rates, while Sam Whiteman has also been added to the squad after recovering from injury. Those inclusions will strengthen their batting but their bowling is certainly weakened with their strike weapons called up to the Australian ODI squad. There will be a big reliance on Mitchell Johnson to strike early here, otherwise the powerful Hurricanes batting lineup could get after this attack.
The Hurricanes missed an opportunity to go to level points with the top of the ladder after going down to the Strikers in Adelaide. The Hurricanes fielding was woeful, with missed catches and misfields easily costing them the 12 runs they lost by. D’Arcy Short was again among the runs, but finally he had some support with Alex Doolan and Ben McDermott helping with the willow. While the Hurricanes score well, they also concede more runs than any other team. Jofra Archer is proving to be a superstar in the making, but the rest of the Canes’ attack are pretty average, and they are going to struggle to contain the power of the Scorchers batting.
The Scorchers are continually under-estimated in the betting markets, and while they are at least favourites, I feel they should comfortable win here and there’s some value in the price.
TIP: Perth Scorchers to win - $1.74 at CrownBet
Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers (Etihad Stadium, Monday 7:40pm AEDT)
The Renegades are coming off a ten-day break as they take on the Strikers at Etihad on Monday evening. It’s a crucial match between the two finals aspirants, and with the Thunder winning against the Stars, the battle for fourth place is still open heading into the final games of the season.
The Renegades are certainly a different side without Aaron Finch and Cameron White at the top of the order. They went down to the hapless Stars in the last match, which really says something about their lack of depth. Tim Ludeman and Matt Short come into the top order, which really puts pressure on seasoned players like Tom Cooper and Marcus Harris to make some runs. The Renegades may get Brad Hodge back from a side strain which will certainly help, even though he’s really done nothing all season. Coming out of the side will be Mohammad Nabi, and his all-round talents will be replaced by hard-hitting West Indian Kieron Pollard.
The Strikers are currently on top of the ladder after they were too strong for the Hurricanes. They posted an imposing total of 187 on the back of an Alex Carey hundred, and held on to win by 11 runs. Since then, Carey has been called up to fill-in for the Australian ODI side, and it’s unconfirmed at this stage if he’ll be available for this match. If he’s not then it’s a big hole at the top of the order. With Travis Head in the ODI team, a lot of the weight of runs falls on import Colin Ingram. He’s due for a big score.
The Strikers are a narrow favourite, but I feel like they have more depth than the Strikers to fill the holes of the ODI team. The Strikers bowling unit is also pretty solid. I feel they should be able to restrict the Gades and get the victory.
Edit: It's been announced that Alex Carey, and strangely, both Travis Head and Cameron White, will be available for this game. White played in the ODI on Sunday and will need to back up and play again the next night. A tough ask. Either way, these inclusions favour the Strikers even further, giving more confidence to the bet.
TIP: Adelaide Strikers to win - $1.82 at CrownBet
Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars (SCG, Tuesday 7:40pm AEDT)
The Sydney Sixers would probably which the season fixture was in reverse with another match against a soft Melbourne Stars team. After starting the season 0-6, they’ve won three in a row and look set to end the season with four on the trot.
Besides the draw, the Sixers have been helped by the change in personnel since the Test series finished and the ODIs began. New imports Joe Denly and Carlos Brathwaite have injected some life into the magenta, and when Nic Maddinson is on song, there aren’t many better. Ben Dwarshuis has also had a strong season which has been recognised with selection into the Australian T20 squad. With Moises Henriques also recently returning, the Sixers don’t have many holes on paper, and they will probably look back and rue the season that could’ve been.
Speaking of ruing their season, the Stars have had the worst season in the history of their franchise. They are already sweeping out the dead wood, with very few expected to hold their spot on the list for next season. The Stars have been a pillar of solidarity in their squad, but that approach has completely backfired this year. Rob Quiney has been named in the squad and I’d like to see him play and thrown into the opening position to launch with some ferocious aggression. Why not throw caution to the wind? Too much is left to KP and Maxy, and scores of 150 are just not enough to defend with their sub-standard attack.
There’s not much value in their price but the Sixers should be too strong and end the season on a high note in front of their home crowd.
TIP: Sydney Sixers to win - $1.57 at Ladbrokes
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