The WBBL 08 Final has arrived, and fittingly the best two teams of the regular season will play off for the title.
Thanks to automatic qualification, Sydney Sixers have had the week to prepare for this huge clash after topping the ladder. Adelaide Strikers booked their spot with a last gasp win over Brisbane last night, so they will also travel to Sydney full of confidence.
Josh Nevett takes a close look at the contest with his free WBBL preview and cricket betting tips below.
Sydney Sixers vs Adelaide Strikers T20 Preview & Betting Tips
North Sydney Oval, Sydney, Saturday November 26th, 5:20pm (AEDT)
Squads
Sydney Sixers: Ellyse Perry, Jade Allen, Nicole Bolton, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Stella Campbell, Lauren Cheatle, Sophie Ecclestone, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Emma Hughes, Matilda Lugg, Claire Moore, Angela Reakes, Suzie Bates, Kate Peterson, Angelina Genford
Adelaide Strikers: Tahlia McGrath, Gemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Meagan Dixon, Deandra Dottin, Katie Mack, Tegan McPharlin, Anesu Mushangwe, Annie O’Neil, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Ella Wilson, Laura Wolvaardt
Match Preview
The two best teams on the biggest stage… this is set to be a cracking contest.
While Adelaide have performed well, Sydney have clearly been the team of the tournament so far.
The Sixers finished six points clear at the top of the table, and have a line-up absolutely stacked with star power.
Ashleigh Gardner has led the charge, tallying 339 runs (sixth most in the competition) and 23 wickets (third most in the competition). Her rounded skillset has overwhelmed opponents and positioned the Sixers as one of the powerhouse batting units of the WBBL.
Speaking of gun all-rounders, Ellyse Perry has also starred in this campaign, collecting 375 runs (fourth best) and six wickets.
Gardner and Healy are certainly a devastating combination, but then you have to add in Alyssa Healy (329 runs) and Sophie Ecclestone (18 wickets). It’s clear to see how Sydney have been so dominant.
However, you cannot underestimate Adelaide. The Strikers got over the line by six wickets with two balls to spare on Thursday night, thanks to some disciplined bowling and mature batting performances.
Megan Schutt took three wickets as Brisbane were restricted to 8/154, before Adelaide’s best hitters saved the day when the game was slipping out of reach. Deandra Dottin (39 off 21) and Bridget Patterson (45* off 26) were the heroes, while Madeline Penna overcame previous heartbreak to hit the winning runs.
It was a gutsy performance, especially since season standouts Katie Mack and Amanda-Jade Wellington were subdued.
Despite this, Sydney are deserved hot favourites. The Sixers have more top-end talent, exactly what you need in a high-pressure final, and they will be raring to go in front of a vocal home crowd at North Sydney Oval.
Back the hosts here.
Sydney Sixers to win
$1.62
Prop Bets
It’s all in the name. Jokes aside, Sydney have hit the most sixes in WBBL 08 (42), a whopping 12 more than Adelaide. In a game that I expect Sydney to win, they should be able to clear the boundary more often than their South Australian rivals.
Most Sixes – Sydney Sixers $1.75 (Betr)
Perry is a player who lives for the big stage and her experience will be vital here. The star international all-rounder can influence a game in many ways, as shown by her most recent outing against the Hurricanes where she took 2/16 and hit 56*. As such, she’s a great pick for best player honours.
Player of the Match – Ellyse Perry $7.00 (TAB)
