Saturday’s BBL double header kicks off with an afternoon clash in Perth, as we have the return leg between the best two sides in the comp. Can the Scorchers bounce back? Or will the Heat continue their undefeated streak?
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BBL13 Betting Tips
Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat
Perth Stadium, Saturday 13th January, 4:15pm AEDT
Perth Scorchers
Predicted XI: Zak Crawley, Sam Whiteman, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Laurie Evans, Cooper Connolly, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Hamish McKenzie, Lance Morris, Jason Behrendorff
The Scorchers last six overs of their bowling innings ultimately cost themselves the game in their 23 run defeat against the Heat on Wednesday night. After restricting the Heat to 5/102 after 14 overs, the Scorchers conceded 89 runs off the final six overs. Jhye Richardson (1/53) and Jason Berendorff (4/42) copped some serious treatment from Michael Nesser and Sam Billings, as the heat reached 7/191.
The Scorchers ever reliable top order failed to fire on Wednesday, with Zak Crawley (13), Sam Whiteman (16) and Aaron Hardie (14) failing to get going which put the Scorchers behind the eight ball. Laurie Evans (51) and Josh Inglis (28) kept the Scorchers in the hunt, however it wasn’t enough for the defending champions.
The Scorchers have a huge final two games of the regular season, as they look to secure a top two finish and a double chance. The Scorchers face two of the top three teams in the Heat and Sixers, with the Scorchers likely to require wins from both games to secure finishing second.
Brisbane Heat
Predicted XI: Josh Brown, Colin Munro, Nathan McSweeney, Matthew Renshaw, Sam Billings, Paul Walter, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Mitch Swepson, Matt Kuhnemann
A Michael Nesser masterclass single handedly dragged the Heat over the line to ensure the Heat will finish the regular season top of the table regardless of the outcome of their final two games. Nesser scored 64 not out from 30 deliveries to drag the Heat out of trouble, and followed up with 2/31 including the key wicket of Zak Crawley to put a dent in the Scorchers hopes early.
Once again the Heat’s bowling attack proved to be the best in the league as Spencer Johnson (2/23), Xavier Bartlett (2/29) and Paul Walter joined Nesser as multiple wicket takers. The Heat have conceded an average of only 7.2 runs per over in BBL13, which ranks the league leaders as the most economical team in the competition.
Wednesday’s performance was an important step in the Heat’s title aspirations, given their struggles against the Scorchers over the years. The Heat had lost nine out of their last ten games against the Scorchers heading into their last game, and if they’re going to win the title, they’re going to have to beat the Scorchers at least one more time in the finals.
Match Prediction
Although it was an uncharacteristic performance from the Scorchers in their last outing, all signs point towards a big bounce back from the reigning champs at home. The Scorchers have been utterly dominant at home in recent seasons, holding a 16-1 record at home at Optus Stadium since the beginning of BBL10. The Scorchers batting has lifted at home this season as well, 9.74 runs per over at Perth Stadium.
The Scorchers haven’t lost back to back games since January 2021 and will be desperate to keep their hold of second spot on the table heading into their final game against the Sixers. With the Heat having nothing to gain from the game in terms of a table aspect, it’s a golden opportunity for the Scorchers to put in a big performance.
Perth Scorchers
$1.73 (1.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
Josh Inglis 20+ Runs: Inglis is the ninth highest run scorer in the competition this season with 203 runs and is in excellent form having scored over 20 runs in his last five games. Inglis’ last five knocks have produced returns of 64, 26, 39, 26* and 28.
Jason Behrendorff To Take a Wicket: Behrendorff had a poor showing on Wednesday night, but still holds a remarkable record against the Heat. The left armer has 23 wickets against the Heat, the most of any player in games between the Scorchers and Heat. Behrendorff has taken a wicket in 21 of his last 23 games, and has figures of 4/25, 1/23 and 1/24 in his three games at Optus Stadium this season.
Spencer Johnson To Take a Wicket: Johnson continued his great run of form with 2/23 against the Scorchers on Wednesday, which was Johnson’s fifth straight game this season with at least one wicket. Johnson has nine wickets this season, and has three wickets from his three games against the Scorchers.
