Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder @ MCG

Looking forward to this clash under the Friday Night lights at the MCG.  Both teams have played one game in BBL 11.

The Sydney Thunder were comfortable victors in the end over the Brisbane Heat at Manuka Oval in Canberra.   They did a very solid job restricting the Heat to 140 with the ball, then after a slightly shakey start with the bat a 109 run partnership between Alex Ross (61) & Sam Billings (44) saw them chase down the required total of 141 early in the 18th over.

The Melbourne Stars were made to look second rate in their opening clash against the competition favourites – The Sydney Sixers – but the key to their chances in this is the world class inclusions of Marcus Stoinis and West Indian Andre Russel.  Russel made 90 off just 32 balls in the final of the Abu Dhabi T10 … and will be with the Stars for 5 games.  World Cup hero Marcus Stoinis is set to return from injury.

I think the market has this about right as a pick ‘em game. Prefer to look at Alex Hales top run scorer for the Thunder.  He missed out in the first game and will be hungry for runs here after leading the run scorers for the entire competition last season.   I love backing opening batters in this market and at $3.80 with the TAB he is a good gamble.

Sydney Sixers v Hobart Hurricanes @ SCG

Saturday nights fixture is a return bout of the Wednesday night game between the Sixers and the Hurricanes which was played in Hobart.  This one will be at the SCG.

Despite only managing to post a total of 144 the Sixers again showed their strength with the ball which has been a major reason for their success in recent times (back to back) BBL titles.  The Hurricanes could manage just 130 in reply on Wednesday night.

It’s really hard to see the Hurricanes turning the tables on the Sixers here.  Their batting simply isn’t deep enough against a Sixers side with no weakness.

Backing the Sixers to win.

Suggested Betting Strategy

Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder – 1.25 Units | Alex Hales Most Runs Sydney Thunder @ $3.8 (TAB)

Sydney Sixers v Hobart Hurricanes – 2.5 Units | Sydney Sixers to Win @ $1.67 (Sportsbet)

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