Round 7 of the Big Bash League starts Saturday night with 2nd Sydney Derby of the season between the Sixers and Thunder. We are 13-10 on our BBL tips so far, this season, not a bad result for what is essentially a complete toss up every night. Today we preview all four games of the penultimate round of the season, starting Saturday, January 14th.
BBL06 Round 7 Betting Tips
Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder (Saturday 14th, 6.10pm AEDT)
It’s been a while since the Thunder have played a game. Their last match was an easy win over the Hobart Hurricanes, chasing down their 161 in the 17th over. The win gave the Thunder a lifeline in the competition, but they will need to win their remaining two games and pray other results go in their favour if they are to play finals cricket this year.
The Sixers are sitting nicely heading into round 7. With 4 wins from 6 matches, they are currently in 3rd position with both Melbourne teams hot on their heels. A win over the Thunder here would all but cement them in the top four for BBL06, so they will no doubt be pushing very hard. The Sixers won’t have any notable outs due to the ODI series. The Thunder will be without their leading wicket taker, Pat Cummins due to Australian selection, taking away a large portion of their firepower as well as a proven middle-lower order batsman. Andre Russel was also ruled out of the rest of the BBL, taking away more options with bat and ball. Due to their decimated team, I find it hard to picture a way in which the Thunder can win this one.
TIP: Sixers to Win - $1.72 at CrownBet
Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars (Saturday 14th, 9.15pm AEDT)
The two most dominant teams in Big Bash history will meet for the first time in BBL06 on Saturday night. A win for the Scorchers would clinch their place in the finals, while the Stars, who have played one less game, have a few more chances to solidify their position. Both lineups have been somewhat decimated by ODI selection, with the Stars losing middle order duo Glenn Maxwell and James Faulkner, while the Scorchers have lost Mitch Marsh along with opening bowler Andrew Willey who has returned home to England.
The Stars are coming off a great win over the Strikers, in which some late game batting heroics by Ben Hilfenhaus got them over the line with 3 balls to spare. I’ve like the Stars to win every match in BBL06 so far, and I still think that this will be a grand final preview. However, I think heading to Perth without Faulkner, Maxwell and spinner Adam Zampa might be a bit too much for them in this one.
TIP: Perth Scorchers to Win - $1.80 at CrownBet
Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Renegades (Monday 16th, 7.10pm AEDT)
The Strikers desperately need a win to stay in finals contention here. With just 2 wins from their 6 matches, like the Hurricanes, they will need to win both games and hope other results go in their favour. They have lost Travis Head for at least this game due to international duty, but still boast a formidable batting lineup in his absence. With Jake Weatherald, Ben Dunk and Brad Hodge leading the charge, they have the ability to put up big scores against anyone. It’s their bowling that will be impacted by international selection, with BBL sensation Billy Stanlake set to miss.
The Renegades are in the enviable position of not having anyone selected, bar Matthew Wade, who hasn’t played a game in this year’s BBL anyway. New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi impressed in his debut for the Strikers on Tuesday night in Stanlake’s absence. He will be in a fierce spin competition with two of the league’s premier spinners in Brad Hogg and Sunil Narine for the Renegades. I like the Renegades to just edge out a victory in this one, but it’s really match that I feel could go either way on a good batting wicket in Adelaide.
TIP: Melbourne Renegades to Win – $1.85 at CrownBet
Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat (Tuesday 17th, 7.40pm AEDT)
Depending on whether or not the Stars can get a win against the Scorchers earlier in round seven, this could shape up to be a must win for the Melbourne club. The Heat on the other hand have all but punched their ticket to the semi-finals of BBL06. They will have to play these last two games without superstar batsmen Chris Lynn, however, as he has been selected in the ODI squad.
The Heat have played out of their skin in the earlier part of the competition, mostly due to the dominance of Chris Lynn. They fell back to earth a bit on Wednesday night after falling for a dismal 129 in their run chase of the Scorchers 156. They really struggle to put runs on the board without Lynn if Brendon McCullum fails has he did on Wednesday. I think it could be a similar story against the Stars, who despite losing Faulkner and Maxwell, still have a very dominant batting lineup.
TIP: Melbourne Stars to Win - $1.60 at CrownBet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
