The Hobart Hurricanes will host the Melbourne Renegades in the second game of Saturday’s BBL13 doubleheader, with both sides desperate to record their first victory.
An 0-3 record in a condensed season could just about signal curtains for the loser of this clash, so the stakes couldn’t be higher for this encounter at Blundstone Arena.
Josh Nevett provides his full match preview and betting tips below.
Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to check out our full Hurricanes vs Sixers fantasy preview to help fill out your Draftstars lineups!
BBL13 Hurricanes vs Renegades Betting Tips
Blundstone Arena, Saturday 23rd December, 7:15pm (AEDT)
Hobart Hurricanes
Hobart’s woes continued against Perth on Wednesday night, when they were comprehensively beaten by nine wickets.
Injuries to Matthew Wade and Riley Meredith put the Hurricanes on the back foot immediately, and while the replacements gave their all, the lack of class in the line-up was obvious.
Hobart collapsed to 5/47 batting first before inclusions Nikhil Chaudary (40 off 31) and Mitch Owen (28 off 22) set about resurrecting the innings. While their efforts were admirable, it was English all-rounder Chris Jordan who stole the show.
Jordan launched five maximums on his way to 59 off 20, turning the game on its head as the Canes fought back to score 172 off their 20 overs.
Unfortunately for Hobart fans, the bowlers were unable to demonstrate the same resilience, with the Scorchers completing the chase in just over 16 overs with nine wickets in hand.
Jordan was the best of the bowlers with 1/25, but he received little support, and it’s been clear in both games so far that Hobart have serious issues with both bat and ball.
Fortunately, Wade and Meredith are likely to be fit for Saturday’s game, so the Hurricanes should have a full squad to choose from in this do-or-die contest.
Predicted XI: Jewell, Wade (wk), McDermott, Hain, David, Anderson, Jordan, Ellis, Dooley, Meredith, Hatzoglou
Melbourne Renegades
The Melbourne Renegades slumped to 0-2 on Thursday night, going down to the Brisbane Heat by six wickets.
Batting first, the men in red battled their way to 8/162, propped up by the explosive hitting of young Jake Fraser-McGurk who blasted 55 off just 23 deliveries.
The rest of the batters made their work look very difficult at Marvel Stadium, and it was left to Jono Wells (34* off 24) and Tom Rogers (20 off 14) to salvage a total at the end of the innings.
As long as imports Quinton De Kock and Joe Clarke fail to fire, the Renegades will struggle to top the 160 scores they have produced so far, so it’s vital that one of the two openers finds some form in this fixture.
On the bowling front, Mujeeb ur Rahman (2/27) was the only bowler to trouble the Heat on Wednesday, but there is definitely enough talent in this attack to persist with the current personnel.
Peter Siddle has joined the squad for Saturday’s match, so there is the possibility that one of the quicks will be rotated, although that would be unwise if the Renegades are serious about putting wins on the board.
Predicted XI: De Kock, Clarke, Fraser-McGurk, Maddinson, Finch, Wells, Sutherland, Rogers, Richardson, Zampa, Ur Rahman
Match Prediction
This battle of the battlers will be a fascinating encounter.
Finding form during a hectic tournament is never easy, but the stars from either side must do just that considering Hobart have been deficient in all facets of the game while the Renegades are crying out for the batters to stand up.
These teams split their meetings 1-1 last season, however its worth noting that the Hurricanes have won 4/5 recent fixtures at Blundstone Arena, the venue for this match.
With that in mind, I’m backing the home side to come out on top.
Hobart Hurricanes to Win
$1.80 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
Dooley spun a web with 19 wickets in just 10 appearances last season. While he has not replicated that form so far in BBL13, he took two wickets against the Renegades in BBL12 and should trouble their fragile batting line-up again in Hobart.
Fraser-McGurk has been the breakout star of BBL13 so far, scoring 103 runs in just two innings. The ‘Rooster’ has launched 10 maximums in the process, and he still presents great value to clear the rope at least once on Saturday.
Match Betting – Hobart Hurricanes
Player to Take 1+ Wickets – Paddy Dooley
To Hit 1+ Sixers – Jake Fraser-McGurk
