The KFC T20 Big Bash action doesn’t slow, as we’re straight back into Round 3 on Monday evening. Round 2 was thrilling with several matches decided in the final over, with the Hurricanes record chase against the Heat a highlight that will be hard to match.
An interesting point was that in the first three Round 2 matches, the losing team traded very short in each match - the Renegades were as low as $1.03! Such is the volatile nature of T20 cricket, it might be worth laying teams that get that short in play. The risk is small and the potential upside is large. We’ll have a separate article about trading in play in the Big Bash on the site in the near future.
Melbourne Renegades vs Brisbane Heat
The Renegades will be bitterly disappointed with their efforts in failing to chase down a paltry 117 in Perth. They will be very happy to be back on home turf at Etihad Stadium where they were undefeated during the preliminary games last season.
Brisbane will also be very disappointed to lose after posting a record Big Bash score, but the positive is that their batsmen are firing. A lot will depend on the pitch that is used. Last year it was rather slow, which suited the Renegades spinners, and was polar opposites to the highway that was produced at the Gabba. If the pitch is again slow, it will suit the Renegades team who will be certain to improve as they search for their first victory.
Verdict: The Renegades look value at $2.38 at Betfair. Probably a game to sit back and watch, or bet in-play once you get a feel for the pace of the wicket.
Adelaide Strikers vs Perth Scorchers
The Strikers plucked a win in Sydney, although they had to survive a Mike Hussey onslaught to do it. The reality was they were far too good for the Thunder, and if it wasn’t for Hussey’s brilliance, the win would’ve been even larger. The Strikers bowling looks good, and their batting is super talented.
Meanwhile, the Scorchers showed in Round 2 what we suspected – they have major problems with their batting. If Katich, S Marsh and M Marsh don’t fire then they are in major trouble with their middle order extremely inexperienced. However their bowlers were able to overcome their deficiencies to post a win.
Verdict: The Scorchers won’t be able to afford to misfire against the Strikers and we’re going to be loading up on the Strikers at $1.74 at Betfair.
Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Renegades
The traditional New Year’s Day match in Hobart, but will the Renegades have a hangover after playing a second game for this round, just two days earlier. It shouldn’t be a problem, but they might have a headache against a rampant Hurricanes team.
How on Earth did the Hurricanes win that match? An incredible batting display that was kick-started by Malik and Dunk at the top of the order – perhaps two players who have largely been underestimated in this competition. The Hurricanes still have problems with the ball, and might have to reconsider the balance of their bowling line up.
Verdict: The early market has priced the Hurricanes at the $1.70 favourites on Sportsbet, but that may change following the Renegades/Heat match on Tuesday. Again the value looks to be with the Renegades here.
Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars
The Stars have scored back-to-back 200+ scores to confirm their favouritism in this competition. Their line up in the last match against the Sixers was international quality with no weaknesses whatsoever. The fact that Rob Quiney can’t even get a game is staggering. On a side note, I hope you got on board one of our pre-season prop bets for Shaun Marsh to score more runs this season than Quiney. At the moment, it's 68-nil.
The Thunder were carried on the back of Mike Hussey, but he can’t do that every game, especially if he continues to bat so low. Even Hussey’s heroics won’t be enough to get them up in this game.
Verdict: It’s top against bottom, and the Stars will thrash the pants off the Thunder. They have opened pretty short at $1.41 on Sportsbet so there's not a lot of value there. Perhaps include them in a multi.
Take note: The above tip is simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always bet responsibly. Happy punting!
