Saturday night Big Bash action returns to ENGIE Stadium as the Sydney Thunder host the Hobart Hurricanes, with the two sides heading in opposite directions as the season starts to take shape. The Thunder are searching desperately for answers after another heavy loss, while the Hurricanes arrive looking to steady after a rare defeat but still firmly placed among the competition’s frontrunners.
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Big Bash League (BBL15) Thunder vs Hurricanes Betting Tips
ENGIE Stadium, Saturday 3rd January, 7:15pm AEDT
Sydney Thunder
The Thunder dropped to 1 and 4 on the season after another disappointing performance, this time against the Scorchers on Tuesday night. Bowling first, they were unable to find any rhythm as Perth piled on a massive 8 for 202, with the Thunder quicks offering little resistance through the powerplay or at the death. It was another night where their bowling attack failed to apply sustained pressure.
In reply, there were some positives early as David Warner, Matthew Gilkes and Sam Konstas showed intent at the top of the order, but the innings unraveled badly. Sydney lost their final seven wickets for just 50 runs to be bowled out for 131, continuing a worrying trend of collapses under pressure. With Reece Topley departing for the SA20 and Shadab Khan set to leave for Pakistan duty after this match, changes are coming whether they like it or not, with Ryan Hadley or Wes Agar likely to come in. This is very close to must-win territory for the Thunder.
Hobart Hurricanes
The Hurricanes slipped to 4 and 2 on the season after going down to the Scorchers on New Year’s Day, but they remain second on the ladder and well placed moving forward. Bowling first in that clash, Hobart had no answers once Mitch Marsh got going, conceding a huge 3 for 229 as Jordan, Meredith, Ellis and Owen all went for 10 or more an over.
With the bat, Hobart showed more fight. They managed 9 for 189 in reply, with Tim Ward, Nikhil Chaudhary and Matthew Wade all getting starts, but no one was able to convert into the decisive innings required to seriously threaten the chase. Tim David remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, but the Hurricanes still look settled and balanced, and no changes are expected unless they choose to freshen their bowling attack.
Match Prediction
The Thunder have been one of the major disappointments of the season so far, particularly after many (including us) expected them to take the next step after making the final last season. Their experienced T20 operators in Chris Green and Daniel Sams have struggled to influence games, and David Warner appears short of his usual intensity amid his off-field commitments.
Hobart are not at full strength without Tim David, but they still possess enough quality with both bat and ball to capitalise on a Thunder side lacking confidence. With greater depth, better form and far more cohesion, the lean is Hobart Hurricanes to win, compounding Sydney’s tough start to the season.
Hurricanes to win
$1.65 (2 Units)
BBL Thunder vs Hurricanes Prop Bet
Ben McDermott stands out as a strong player prop. He boasts a dominant record in this matchup, averaging a huge 84.0 across three innings at ENGIE Stadium, and has consistently hurt the Thunder over time with 455 runs at an average of 41.36 from 17 games. Against a bowling attack under pressure, McDermott shapes as a prime candidate to cash in again.
McDermott top HOB runscorer
$4.10
