We have arrived at the crescendo of the 2016-17 Big Bash League Season and it all comes down to the final match between the Scorchers and Sixers in Perth on Saturday, the 28th of January. The game starts at 7.15pm (AEDT), and will mark the 5th time the Scorchers have reached the final. We’ve got you covered for the big game with a full preview and betting tips below.
BBL06 Final Betting Tips
Although the Scorchers won their game against the Stars quite easily, I think we as fans were treated to two great semi finals in the end. It was a delight to see Mitchell Johnson back at his blistering best as he claimed 3-3 off his four overs en route to keeping the Stars to a dismal total of 136. Seb Gotch was the lone standout for the Stars, playing through collapsing teammates for a hard fought 48. The Scorchers chased down the total with ease, surpassing it in the 17th over to move onto the final.
Shaun Marsh was the mainstay in the Perth innings, making 56 off 44 balls. Marsh, however, will miss the final due to international commitments in New Zealand. Recent Aussie call up Hilton Cartwright, will be available to play after missing the New Zealand selection, most likely to rest for the upcoming tour of India.
The Sixers won their semi in much more exciting fashion. After keeping the Heat to a respectable total of 167, the Sixers were looking the goods at 2-130 off around 14 overs. They then lost 4 wickets in quick succession before Johan Botha steadied the ship to some degree. Needing 6 off the final over, Botha was given out controversially off the fourth ball, meaning the Sixers could only muster 5 to send the game to a super-over.
Karma worked in their favour in the super over as skipper Moises Henriques blasted two sixes and a four to set up a massive 22 run total for the Heat. Brendon McCullum did his best in the chase attempt, but the Heat fell 7 runs short.
It sets up a great matchup for the final, although the Scorchers will miss Shaun Marsh, they still have a talent filled team from top to bottom. The signing of Tim Bresnan after Englishman David Willey departed for international duty was a masterstroke by captain Justin Langer, and just adds more depth to their already ridiculously long batting order.
Unlike their semi final opponents in the Stars, the Scorchers don’t have to rely on their top 3 batsmen to get all the runs. With the likes of Bresnan, Hilton Cartwright and Asthon Agar in the middle-lower order, the Scorchers openers can bat with aggression and confidence knowing they have plenty in the tank.
The Sixers have won games this season due to their strong bowling attack. They should go into the final unchanged, opting for the spin duo in Nathan Lyon and Johan Botha to support BBL leading wicket taker Sean Abbot and highly improved player Ben Dwarshuis. Daniel Hughes has been their shining light with the bat, leading the team in runs on the year with some handy support Nic Maddinson and Henriques.
It’s a tough game to pick for me. Like most BBL games, it can really come down to one player stepping up and taking the game away from the other team. We saw Mitchell Johnson do it in the semi final, and I think the Scorchers line up boasts more genuine game winners than the Sixers does. Michael Klinger, Sam Whiteman and Ian Bell are capable of turning a game on it’s head, and I just think that the Sixers rely a bit too heavily on their top few batsmen.
With the home field advantage, the Scorchers should get the job done to claim a record 3rd Big Bash League title.
TIP: Perth Scorchers to win - $1.80 at Bet365
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!
