New Year’s Day Big Bash action serves up a heavyweight clash at Ninja Stadium as the Hobart Hurricanes host the Perth Scorchers. Both sides sit near the top of the table, both are coming off convincing wins, and both have title credentials written all over them. This feels like a genuine measuring stick contest as the season turns the corner into the business end.
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Big Bash League (BBL15) Hurricanes vs Scorchers Betting Tips
Ninja Stadium, Thursday 1st January, 7:15pm AEDT
Hobart Hurricanes
The Hurricanes continue to look every bit the reigning champions, improving to 4 and 1 on the season and climbing into second place after a strong win over the Renegades on Monday night. Bowling first, skipper Nathan Ellis again led superbly, taking 3 for 30 as Hobart dismissed Melbourne for 162 and kept control of the game throughout the middle overs.
The chase was more dramatic. Hobart found themselves wobbling before veteran Matthew Wade turned back the clock with a brilliant 43 off 20 balls, finishing the match with an over to spare. Tim David remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and Beau Webster returns to the Test squad on New Year’s Eve, opening the door for Mac Wright to come back into the XI. Nikhil Chaudhary is being monitored after a shoulder issue but managed to bat last game and is expected to be available, which would be a significant boost given Hobart’s thinner middle order.
Perth Scorchers
The Scorchers arrive in Hobart sitting third on the ladder with a 2 and 2 record, fresh off a dominant win over the Thunder on Tuesday night. Batting first, Perth were in early trouble at 3 for 34 before captain Ashton Turner produced one of the innings of the season, smashing an unbeaten 99 off just 41 balls to lift the Scorchers to a formidable 8 for 202.
With the ball, Perth recovered impressively after a loose powerplay. Joel Paris, Brody Couch, Aaron Hardie and Cooper Connolly all took two wickets each as the Thunder were bowled out for 131 in just 17.3 overs. Josh Inglis will miss this clash after returning to the Test squad, with Nick Hobson set to slot back in, while Matt Kelly is being managed. Even so, Perth’s batting depth and all-round options remain formidable.
Match Prediction
This is a difficult game to split between two of the competition’s most complete sides. Hobart’s bowling unit continues to impress, and Wade’s return to form is a timely boost, but the loss of Webster on top of Tim David already being unavailable significantly thins their batting firepower.
Perth, by contrast, lose Inglis but are better placed to absorb that absence, particularly with Turner in red-hot touch and multiple contributors through the order. The Scorchers also boast a strong historical record in Hobart, winning six of their nine matches at Ninja Stadium. With momentum building and their batting peaking at the right time, the lean is Perth Scorchers to edge a high-quality contest on the road.
Scorchers
$1.96 (2 Units)
BBL Hurricanes vs Scorchers Prop Bet
Mitch Marsh overs shapes as a strong bounce-back play. While his start to the season has been quieter than expected, this is a venue and matchup that suits him perfectly. Marsh averages 40.5 across 10 innings against the Hurricanes and an excellent 43.0 from six knocks at Ninja Stadium. With Perth’s top order in form and Marsh likely to get time at the crease, this feels like the spot for him to respond and make a meaningful contribution.
Marsh Over 21.5 Runs
$1.87
