Wednesday night Big Bash action heads back to Optus Stadium as the Perth Scorchers host the Melbourne Renegades in a clash between a side flying high and another desperately trying to build momentum. Perth are rolling along nicely near the top of the table, while Melbourne arrive buoyed by a much needed statement win that has breathed life back into their season.
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Big Bash League (BBL15) Scorchers vs Renegades Betting Tips
Perth Stadium, Tuesday 6th January, 7:15pm AEDT
Perth Scorchers
The Scorchers have surged into second place on the ladder with three straight wins, improving to 4 and 2 after another disciplined performance against the Strikers on Sunday night. Batting first, Perth did not have everything their own way but still posted a competitive 154, with skipper Mitch Marsh anchoring the innings with a composed 37 off 33 balls while others chipped in around him.
With the ball, Perth showed why they remain so hard to beat. They looked under pressure early before Joel Paris and Aaron Hardie flipped the contest, combining for five wickets as Adelaide collapsed spectacularly, losing 5 for 34 to be bowled out for 120. Cooper Connolly again impressed with his all-round contribution, continuing to cement himself as one of the breakout players of the season. Selection is the only cloud, with several minor injury concerns, but Perth have enviable depth and could be further strengthened by the return of Jhye Richardson and David Payne.
Melbourne Renegades
The Renegades enter this clash sitting seventh at 2 and 3, but their confidence will be significantly boosted after a thrilling win over the Stars in their most recent outing. Bowling first, Melbourne held a strong Stars batting line-up to 9 for 173, with Gurinder Sandhu leading the way in an impressive spell of 4 for 41 that set the tone.
Chasing the target, the Renegades were powered by opener Josh Brown, who smashed a blistering 84 off 48 balls to give his side early control. Despite a late wobble that threatened to undo all that good work, skipper Will Sutherland held his nerve at the death, crashing 19 off just seven balls to steer Melbourne home. There are potential reinforcements on the way with Adam Zampa and Tom Rogers both racing fitness tests, which would be a welcome boost to an already experienced bowling group.
Match Prediction
It is hard to look past Perth at home. Their batting unit is operating on a different level to almost anyone else in the competition right now, with depth and flexibility right through the order. Even if Finn Allen remains sidelined, Sam Fanning has proven a more than capable replacement, while Marsh, Connolly, Hardie and Ashton Turner give the Scorchers arguably the most complete batting lineup in the league.
Add to that the likely return of Jhye Richardson on a fast, bouncy Perth wicket, and the Scorchers look exceptionally well placed. The Renegades showed plenty of heart last time out, but backing that up against a red-hot Perth side at Optus Stadium is a massive task. The lean is Perth Scorchers to continue their winning run at home.
Scorchers to win
$1.60 (2 Units)
BBL Scorchers vs Renegades Prop Bet
Ashton Turner to score 25 plus runs shapes as a strong player prop. He has been outstanding whenever required this season, piling on 164 runs from just 99 balls at a healthy average of 54.6, often coming in at key moments and shifting momentum quickly. Turner also enjoys batting at Optus Stadium, averaging 34.4 at the venue, and with Perth’s top order consistently setting platforms, he looms as a prime candidate to cash in again.
