After producing an upset win over the previously undefeated Sixers, the Hurricanes will be looking to establish themselves in the top four when they host the seventh placed Strikers. As always, we have you covered with our full preview and best bets for the match below!
BBL14 Hurricanes vs Strikers Betting Tips
Ninja Stadium, Sunday 5th January, 7:15pm AEDT
Hurricanes
Predicted XI: Matthew Wade, Mitch Owen, Shai Hope, Ben McDermott, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Chris Jordan, Peter Hatzoglou, Billy Stanlake, Riley Meredith, Waqar Salamkheil
The Hurricanes produced a brilliant performance with the ball to upset the Sixers, and move to 3-1 on the season. Chris Jordan (3/22), Waqar Salamkheil (2/22) and Billy Stanlake (2/22) took wickets at regular intervals to ensure the Sixers were never a chance. All six bowlers used by the Hurricanes took a wicket, in what was the Canes best performance of the season.
The Hurricanes scraped to 6/161 with Nikhil Chaudhary (42 off 31), Ben McDermott (34 off 25) and Mitch Owen all getting starts. Hobart have struggled to have batters go on and get a big score in games this season. The Hurricanes have only had two half centuries through the first four games of the season, and that is going to need to change if they are to be featuring at the pointy end of the season.
Bellerive Oval has been a fruitful venue for the Hurricanes this season, with two wins from two games, with wins over the Sixers and Scorchers. Last season the Hurricanes were just 2-2 at Bellerive Oval, so making their home ground a fortress could be the difference in making the finals.
Strikers
Predicted XI: Matt Short, Chris Lynn, Darcy Short, Ollie Pope, Jake Weatherald, Alex Ross, Jamie Overton, Henry Thornton, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Boyce, Lloyd Pope
The Strikers ended a three-game losing streak with a resounding five wicket win at Marvel Stadium, with 17 balls to spare. Chris Lynn wound back the clock as he blasted 88 off 51 to put Adelaide in a virtually unlosable position.
Lynn’s work with the bat was brilliant, however it was the Strikers' work with the ball that set up the win. Henry Thornton (3/22), Jamie Overton (3/30) and Lloyd Pope (2/34) restricted the Renegades to 9/142. When the spin of Pope and Boyce can take wickets and keep things tight, it opens up plenty of opportunities for the Strikers.
The Strikers will be sweating on the fitness of skipper Matt Short, who has missed the last two games with a toe injury. Darcy Short has done a good job this season scoring 151 runs at an average of 30.20, however the Strikers definitely need some more firepower with the bat to keep their season alive.
Match Prediction
The Hurricanes have been a tough team to beat at home this season, while the Strikers have struggled away from home winning just one of their three games on the road in BBL14. Both sides haven’t been at their best this season, but the Hurricanes keep finding ways to win.
There’s upside with the bat for the Hurricanes, if Matthew Wade or Ben McDermott can find form it’s danger signs for the Strikers. The Hurricanes will be too strong at home and cement their place inside the top four.
Hobart Hurricanes to Win
$1.77 (1 Unit)
Prop Bet
Lloyd Pope continues to take wickets game after game, in what has been a great season for the leg spinner. Pope has taken 9 wickets at an average of 20.11, and has taken wickets in four of his five games this season.
Lloyd Pope: Strikers Top Bowler
$4.00
