The Perth Scorchers are in hot pursuit of a record sixth BBL title, but they will have to do it the hard way, starting with a knockout final against the in-form Adelaide Strikers.
While the Strikers will be without some of their heavy hitters, the SA-based side still pose a threat so Perth will need to be on their game at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
Josh Nevett provides his full match preview and betting tips below.
Big Bash League (BBL13) The Knockout Betting Tips
Optus Stadium, Saturday 20th January, 7:40pm (AEDT)
Perth Scorchers
The Perth Scorchers started the campaign on fire but stuttered as the home-and-away season went on, losing three of their last five matches.
Each of those defeats came against top four teams, so it’s clear that the Scorchers aren’t quite the dominant team of years gone by.
Furthermore, key batsman Laurie Evans has left the squad to fulfil his ILT20 commitments after belting 292 runs in the middle order, leaving a massive void to fill.
However, there is still plenty of talent in the squad heading into this finals series. Aaron Hardie is the second highest run scorer in BBL13 with 328, and fellow national representative Josh Inglis has also been solid (226 runs).
With the ball, Jason Behrendorff, Lance Morris and Andrew Tye are all among the top 10 wicket takers, which bodes well for the next week.
Given that Evans is set to miss, there will be changes to the XI for the clash with the Strikers.
The Scorchers will be sweating on the fitness of Steve Eskinazi, who sustained a hand injury against the Sixers. He is considered 50/50 to play, but if he does get up then local replacement player Marcus Harris should be a straight swap for Evans.
Harris is more of a top order type, so it will be interesting to see how Perth structure up – could Whiteman slide down, or will Harris be plugged in to open?
Predicted XI: Stephen Eskinazi, Sam Whiteman, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly, Nick Hobson, Marcus Harris, Ashton Agar, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Lance Morris
Adelaide Strikers
The Adelaide Strikers are the form team of the BBL at the moment, coming off four consecutive wins.
It’s been a Matt Short masterclass from start to finish – the Strikers skipper has tallied 509 runs, nearly 200 more than any other player, propelling his side to victory on several occasions.
Chris Lynn (243 runs) and Jamie Overton (16 wickets) have also justified their status as high-profile signings, providing consistent output during their stints.
Unfortunately, both are unavailable for the most important part of the season.
The same is true for batsman Adam Hose, so wholesale changes will be required for the Knockout.
With a batting and all-rounder spot vacant, it makes sense that the only two reserves with batting ability – Henry Hunt and James Bazley – will be called up to the XI.
That leaves the Strikers with six genuine batters, a bowling all-rounder, and four frontline bowlers, which seems like the right mix.
Predicted XI: Matt Short, D’Arcy Short, Jake Weatherald, Henry Hunt, Thomas Kelly, Harry Nielsen, James Bazley, Henry Thornton, David Payne, Cameron Boyce, Lloyd Pope
Match Prediction
Perth are the short favourites here, and I’m with the punters on this one.
The Scorchers are notoriously difficult to beat at home – they have lost just once in Perth this season.
In addition, the Strikers are severely undermanned, missing two of their most important players in Lynn and Overton.
Perth appear to bat far deeper, and their bowling is undoubtedly superior, so Adelaide’s ability to challenge will come down to the output of Matt Short.
Perth Scorchers to Win
$1.55 (3 Units)
Same Game Multi
Hardie has topped 20 in 4/5 home fixtures this season, demonstrating his affinity for Optus Stadium. Adelaide have been one of the weaker bowling teams in this tournament, so I expect Hardie to perform well again.
Tye has taken 11 wickets this campaign and 2+ wickets in each of his last five BBL home appearances against the Strikers.
Match Betting – Perth Scorchers
Player to Score 20+ Runs – Aaron Hardie
Player to Take 2+ Wickets – Andrew Tye
