Big Bash Finals Previews & Tips – 21st & 22nd January

Such are the times we are living in, the first BBL final between the Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes will be played in Melbourne at the MCG.

The Strikers take all the momentum into this one having won their last three home and away fixtures to surge off the bottom of the ladder and into the finals race.  What’s more they now get two of their big guns back from the Australian Test Team – captain Travis Head & Wicketkeeper batsman Alex Carey to further bolster a batting unit which has been firing on all cylinders in recent times.

The Hurricanes finished their season on seven wins and seven losses but it’s their last match against the Melbourne Stars which is of some concern.  Despite resting their quicker bowlers with finals in mind, they were dismantled by Maxwell and co as the Stars set a BBL record total of 273/2 off their 20 overs.  The question is can they park that result or has it left some scars going into a big final.

I’m prepared to say they can park it and at the prices currently on offer the Hurricanes represent a small overlay in my market.  Despite their strong batting list the Strikers bowling is very shaky – especially now that Rasheed Khan is on the plane home.  The Hurricanes have some inform batters (McDermott, Wade, Short, David) who can take advantage.

One v two play off at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Saturday night for a ticket straight through to the BBL final.

Expecting a quality contest here with two powerful batting line ups that can expose the short square boundaries at the Docklands.

The reigning BBL Champs from the past two years – the Sixers – began their title defence strongly winning six of their first seven matches and have done what they have needed to do from there to secure a top two spot on the table and the all-important double chance.

The Perth Scorchers have dropped just three games on their way to a top of the table finish and have had the wood over the Sixers in BBL 11 winning both of their regular season clashes.

Overall both teams are vastly experienced and have very little weakness with both bat and ball.  I marked these teams $1.90 take your pick so have to be with the Sixers at current prices in the head to head markets.

Also keen to back Mitch Marsh and Ashton Turner in the most runs market for the Scorchers.  Both are in terrific form and proven performers in big games.

Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide Strikers – 1 Unit | Hobart Hurricanes @ $2.25 (Sportsbet)

Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers – 1.25 Units | Sydney Sixers @ $2.15 (TAB)

Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers – .75 Unit | Mitch Marsh Top Run Scorer Perth Scorchers @ $3.8 (TAB)

Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers – .25 Unit | Ashton Turner Top Run Scorer Perth Scorchers @ $8.5 (TAB)

*Please note the maximum outlay on a single outcome is 2.5 units