Teams will be eagerly hunting wins in the final round of games in the 2016-17 Big Bash League season. The Brisbane Heat sit in the box seat at the moment, with 5 wins from their 7 games, while the Stars, Scorchers and Sixers are all breathing heavily down their knecks with 4 wins. Mathematically, every team bar the Adelaide Strikers can still make the 4-team playoffs, so this round will be a hotly contested one.
BBL06 Round 8 Betting Tips
Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers (Wednesday 18th, 7.40pm AEDT)
Arguably the two teams with the least to play for in round 8. The Strikers, who possess no possible scenario which will have them playing finals cricket come up against the Sydney Thunder, whose net run suggests that even if results go in their favour, they will still most likely miss the semi finals.
However, It’s still not completely out of the question for the Thunder, and you’d think with a lot more to play for on the back of an inspiring 3 game win streak, they should be able to get up at home over the Strikers. Since losing star import Andre Russel to injury and off-field issues, his replacement, Carlos Brathwaite has been playing well for the Thunder. His efforts in the win over the Sixers a few nights ago saw the Thunders net run rate climb to a manageable total in the lead up to round 8.
I’m backing the Thunder in this one.
TIP: Thunder to Win - $1.73 at Sportsbet
Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Renegades (Friday 20th, 7.40pm AEDT)
This is a massive game for the Renegades, not only for their chances in the 2016-17 season but for their franchise as a whole. They have only managed to make the finals once in the 5 previous seasons of BBL, and they really need a win here to make some big off season moves worth while. Their net run rate is high enough that should they win, they will play finals, so it’s just a matter of getting over the line here.
The Heat will once again be without star duo Chris Lynn and Billy Stanlake. Although they are both not playing in the Australian team at the moment, they were sidelined due to injury, which will rule them our for this game as well. The Heat captured a great win over the Stars on Tuesday night, but will still be playing hard in this one to make sure they can secure a semi final at the GABBA.
The Renegades have not been great in these types of pressure situations in the past, and a losing stigma has become attached to them because of it. However, I think with the way Aaron Finch has been playing this season, combined with a rejuvenated bowling lineup that now includes up to four spinners on any given night, it will be enough to get them over the line and into the semis for just the second time in their history.
TIP: Melbourne Renegades to Win - $1.95 at Sportsbet
Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers (Saturday 21st, 4.20pm AEDT)
The final round of BBL06 concludes with a Saturday night double header, the early game of which will see the Hurricanes travel to Perth with their season on the line. Hobart will need to win, and win big If they are any chance of making the four, with a dismal net run rate of -0.18, which is tied for worst in the league.
While the Scorchers only sit 3rd on the table at time of writing, they have been the class team of the competition, in my opinion. Led extraordinarily by their captain and opener, Michael Klinger, the Scorcers have once again proved why they are the most dominant team in BBL history. They will also be searching for a win here, not only to secure a playoff berth, but a home final in Perth as well, where they are extremely tough to beat.
Perth have been a dominant team this season even without star import Ian Bell producing on a regular basis. If he can find some form in this match leading into the finals, they will be extremely tough to beat. Mitch Marsh will once again be out of the lineup as well as David Willey who has travelled to India to play the ODI series for England. Regardless, I still think the Scorchers pull out a W here.
TIP: Scorchers to Win - $1.67 at Sportsbet
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers (Saturday 21st, 7.25pm AEDT)
The final regular season match of BBL06 and the 2nd game of Saturday’s double-header will be the Melbourne Stars taking on the Sydney Sixers at the MCG. With both teams firmly entrenched in the playoff picture, it should be an exciting and fitting end to the Big Bash regular season. By game time, we will know plenty more about what each team need to do to get through, however, the way it’s shaping up, it could come down to only the winner of this match advancing to finals.
I’ve been tipping the Stars to take home the BBL06 chocolates since day one, and although their loss to the Heat on Tuesday night didn’t inspire much confidence, the team led by T20 hall of famer David Hussey oozes both talent and confidence. Without James Faulkner and Glenn Maxwell they look a very different team, however, openers Rob Quiney and Luke Wright have stepped up to fill the void in the batting order, and with the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Marcus Stoinis and Hussey in the middle order, they are capable of making 200+ on any given night.
The Sixers strength all season has been their dominant bowling attack, but I think the Stars will just have too much firepower on Saturday night and should get over the line.
TIP: Melbourne Stars to Win - $1.85 at Sportsbet
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!
