The biggest names in Big Bash cricket will converge on the SCG this Wednesday night, with the venue set to host the BBL13 Final between the Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat.
The Sixers are pursuing a fourth title, while the Heat are out to become just the third team to be crowned on multiple occasions.
Josh Nevett provides his full match preview and betting tips below.
BBL13 Final Sixers vs Heat Betting Tips
SCG, Wednesday 24th January, 7:15pm (AEDT)
Sydney Sixers
The Sixers have not quite had a flawless campaign, but they have performed when it has mattered most.
Two mid-season losses had some questioning the credentials of the men in magenta, but the Sixers responded by beating Perth on their home turf before dispatching the Heat in the Qualifier.
Those performances have seen Daniel Hughes pile on the runs, Moises Henriques return to form and Ben Dwarshuis light it up with the ball.
All three experienced campaigners will be key on Wednesday, although Sydney are known for even contributions across the board.
The only question mark hanging over the Sixers ahead of this Final is whether they can make enough runs if Hughes and Henriques fail.
I, for one, believe there is more than enough talent in this XI for the Sixers to score a fourth title, and the punters agree.
Predicted XI: Hughes, Edwards, Phillipe, Henriques, Silk, Davies, Kerr, Abbott, Dwarshuis, Murphy, O’Keefe
Brisbane Heat
The Heat were the best performing team throughout the BBL13 home-and-away season, but the Qualifier loss raised some questions that were quickly resolved in the Challenger.
In the absence of Colin Munro, Sam Billings and the test stars, someone had to step up and score big runs – Josh Brown did exactly that, smoking 140 off 57 balls against the Strikers to win the Heat through to the finale.
Whether he can repeat the dose against the Sixers remains to be seen, but you sense that Brown needs to make some contribution for the Heat to win.
After all, you can’t doubt the bowlers who have done a terrific job all campaign. Bartlett, Neser, Johnson and Walter are a fearsome seam attack, and all have stepped up at some point in BBL13.
The question is, will Brisbane opt to recall leg-spinner Mitch Swepson to support Kuhnemann, or will they stick with Wakim for some extra batting depth?
Predicted XI: Brown, Wakim, McSweeney, Renshaw, Bryant, Pierson, Walter, Neser, Bartlett, Johnson, Kuhnemann
Match Prediction
The Sydney Sixers are well placed to add another trophy to their cabinet this Wednesday night, with all signs pointing to another Final win for the men in magenta.
In The Qualifier, the Sixers outclassed Brisbane by 39 runs, and not much has changed since then.
Furthermore, Sydney have won 12 of their last 14 BBL matches at the SCG, the venue for Wednesday’s Final.
With experienced heads and a plethora of talent across the board, the Sixers are the team to beat in the BBL13 decider.
Sydney Sixers to Win
$1.72 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
Dwarshuis has put together a solid campaign with 15 wickets including a 5-fa against Brisbane in the Qualifier. The Heat have struggled to play Dwarshuis in both matches between the teams this season, so he should take at least one scalp.
Brown hit a whopping 12 sixes against the Strikers on Monday in his match winning performance, and he has also managed four maximums across two matches against the Sixers.
Match Betting – Sydney Sixers
Player to Take 1+ Wickets – Ben Dwarshuis
Player to Hit 1+ Sixes – Josh Brown
