The red-hot Sydney Sixers take on a star-studded Adelaide Strikers in a Tuesday night BBL blockbuster at Coffs Harbour.
A win here will send the evergreen Sixers to the top of the table, while the Strikers are still fighting to secure a spot in the top five.
Josh Nevett provides his full match preview and BBL12 betting tips below.
And if you're looking for a new sportsbook to try, make sure to check out Neds. They're always reliable and have some of the best odds in the business!
BBL12 Sixers vs Strikers Preview & Betting Tips
C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Tuesday 17th January, 7:15pm (AEDT)
Sydney Sixers
Predicted XI: Josh Phillipe, Steve Smith, Kurtis Patterson, Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk, Dan Christian, Hayden Kerr, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy
The Sixers continued their strong run towards the BBL12 finals with a victory over arch-rivals Perth.
Josh Phillipe (54 off 48) and returning test star Steve Smith (36 off 27) propelled the home side to 5-151, before the bowlers did what they always do – defend a low total with nerves of steel.
Sean Abbott (3-18) led the attack yet again, while Dan Christian (2-7) produced a match-winning penultimate over.
The men in magenta have now won three on the trot, and the inclusions of Smith and Lyon have left Sydney with depth that most teams can only dream of.
With Smith in the side, the Sixers have real star power with the bat, and Lyon adds another layer to an already supreme bowling attack.
It certainly looks like this could be another successful season for the Sixers.
Adelaide Strikers
Predicted XI: Matt Short, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Adam Hose, Colin De Grandhomme, Ryan Gibson, Thomas Kelly, Cameron Boyce, Wes Agar, Harry Conway, Peter Siddle
The Strikers are sitting pretty in fourth, but they are about to face two of their biggest challenges for the season.
Chris Lynn, the second top run scorer of the campaign (416 runs) has departed for the ILT20, leaving a huge hole in Adelaide’s batting line-up.
Lynn and Short have been the two consistent performers in this batting group, so the loss of one of them poses some concerns.
Furthermore, the Strikers will now face the Sixers, a side on top of their game.
As such, it’s vital that international stars Head and Carey find form quickly, to provide the Strikers with a batting base that can take them deep into the finals.
Both players failed to fire in their return games, but they get another chance on Tuesday to establish some momentum.
I expect the Strikers to tinker with their XI to offset the loss of Lynn by perhaps fielding an extra batsman over all-rounder Ben Manenti.
Match Prediction
This should be a fantastic game.
While the Strikers defeated the Sixers in their earlier BBL12 encounter, that game was played at Adelaide Oval where the Strikers easily play their best cricket.
The home side has won each of the last four games between these teams, which bodes well for the Sixers, and although this game won’t be played at the SCG a home-ground advantage is certainly significant against Adelaide.
Furthermore, the Strikers will have to cope with the loss of Lynn for this clash, while the Sixers have a full squad of players to choose from.
As such, I’m backing Sydney to chalk up another win.
Sydney Sixers
$1.67 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
Sydney’s spearhead now has 19 wickets for the tournament at an average of 1.9 per game. He comes up against a shaky Adelaide batting unit in this game and should take at least one scalp.
In the last three games between these sides, the first innings total has exceeded 160. Both teams have plenty of talent in the batting department, so expect a decent total first-up.
I don’t think Adelaide will win this one, but they should get off to a better start. Short and Head are an elite opening pairing, and Sydney’s Phillipe has struggled away from the SCG this season.
Player to Take 1+ Wickets – Sean Abbott
1st Innings Total Runs – 155+
Highest Opening Partnership – Adelaide Strikers
Same Game Multi $3.18 (Ladbrokes)
$3.18
