The two most successful franchises in the history of the BBL are in a rare form slump, and are both in desperate need of a win. Three points separates the Sixers and Scorchers on the table, so this is set to be a table shaping clash at the SCG! Jack Tobin provides a full game preview, best bet, and prop bet below.
BBL14 Sixers vs Scorchers Betting Tips
SCG, Saturday 11th January, 4:45pm AEDT
Sydney Sixers
Predicted XI: Josh Philippe, Kurtis Patterson, Steve Smith, Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards, Hayden Kerr, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Jafer Chohan, Todd Murphy
After starting the season with four straight wins to sit comfortably at the top of the table, the Sixers have fallen into a slump with two losses and a washout from their last three games. The Sixers 16 run loss to the Stars on Thursday night saw them surrender top spot to the Thunder, in a game where their final ten overs in both innings cost them dearly.
The Sixers had reduced the Stars to 4/64 after 10 overs, before conceding 1/92 in the last 10 overs, including 0/33 in the power surge. Comparatively the Sixers were 2/90 after 13 overs with James Vince (47) and Moises Henriques (13) set at the crease, before losing 3/11 in the power surge to fall right behind the eight ball.
Things get tricky from a selection standpoint for the Sixers, with Steve Smith set to be available for the final three games of the regular season alongside Sean Abbott and Todd Murphy. However, the Sixers will lose both their star imports James Vince and Akeal Hosein who have headed the the ILT20. Vince has been the third highest run scorer in BBL14 with 228 runs at an average of 45.60
Perth Scorchers
Predicted XI: Aaron Hardie, Finn Allen, Mitch Marsh, Cooper Connolly, Ashton Turner, Nick Hobson, Ashton Agar, Matthew Kelly, Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, Lance Morris
Bizarrely the Scorchers produced another un-Scorchers like performance as they lost back-to-back games for the second time this season. Perth were in complete control when they had the Renegades 4/10, and then 5/47 after 10 overs. However the Scorchers bowling attack crumbled in the final ten overs of the innings, conceding 103 runs off the final ten overs, including 33 runs off the final three overs to lose by 4 wickets.
After a hot start by Finn Allen (19 off 12), the Scorchers batting unit collapsed as Mitch Marsh (0), Cooper Connolly (0), Ashton Turner (8) and Nick Hobson (12) were a part of a collapse of 5/42. Ashton Agar smashed 51* off 30 deliveries to get the Scorchers to a defendable score of 8/147, but ultimately it wasn’t enough.
In what has been a massive strength for the Scorchers across the history of the competition, the Scorchers death bowling across the last two games has cost them the game. Against the Renegades they conceded 54 runs off the final 5 overs, while against the Thunder they conceded 51 off the final 5 overs.
Match Prediction
Two excellent sides who have hit a rough patch, someone has to bounce back. Across the fourteen years of the competition, BBL08 is the only season where the Scorchers have lost three games in a row. Their continuity in selection with not losing their imports will be a massive advantage in comparison to the Sixers, who have lost their leading run scorer.
Although these teams historically have been the best in the competition, the Scorchers have had their way against the Sixers in recent seasons winning six of the last eight meetings between the two sides. The Scorchers have been losing from winnable positions, so eventually the tide will turn for them, and Saturday looms as a perfect opportunity to bounce back with the Sixers being vulnerable.
Perth Scorchers to Win
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Prop Bet
Cooper Connolly will be on a high after being named the Test squad, and is in the midst of an outstanding domestic summer. After averaging 82 in the Sheffield Shield, Connolly is the leading run scorer in BBL14 with 272 runs at an average of 54.40. His game will suit the SCG surface, after his ability to perform on a tough wicket at Marvel Stadium earlier this season.
Cooper Connolly – Scorchers Top Run Scorer
$4.75
