Tuesday night Big Bash action heads to Adelaide Oval as the Strikers host the Sydney Thunder, with both sides under pressure after frustrating losses. The Strikers are looking to rediscover their batting touch at home, while the Thunder arrive desperate for a circuit breaker in what has become a grim season defined by missed opportunities.
Also, be sure to check out our list of best BBL betting sites for the current season to make sure you're getting the best odds!
Big Bash League (BBL15) Strikers vs Thunder Betting Tips
Adelaide Oval, Tuesday 6th January, 7:15pm AEDT
Adelaide Strikers
The Strikers slipped to 2 and 3 on the season after losing an extremely winnable game to the Scorchers on Sunday night. Bowling first, they were outstanding, rolling Perth for 8 for 153 with their spin attack doing all the damage. Lloyd Pope was exceptional with 4 for 23, while Tabraiz Shamsi backed him up superbly with 3 for 30, giving Adelaide complete control through the middle overs.
Unfortunately, the batting could not capitalise. Adelaide were bowled out for just 120 in 18.1 overs, with skipper Matt Short and Liam Scott the only players to reach double figures in a dismal collapse. The performance has sparked questions around the makeup of the batting order, though there are no obvious fixes. The arrival of Shamsi has also created a selection squeeze, forcing Hasan Ali out despite solid performances, but Adelaide appear committed to a spin-heavy approach moving forward.
Sydney Thunder
The Thunder remain anchored to the bottom of the ladder at 1 and 5 after another brutal loss, this time against the Hurricanes on Saturday night. Batting first, they finally showed their ceiling with the bat, posting 4 for 205 on the back of a sensational 130 from David Warner, one of the innings of the tournament so far.
But once again, they failed to back it up with the ball. Hobart chased the total down in just 17.5 overs, with all five frontline Thunder bowlers conceding at least 10 runs per over. Shadab Khan has now departed for Pakistan T20I duty, opening the door for David Willey to come in, while further changes remain on the table as the Thunder search for a combination that can deliver across both disciplines in the same game.
Match Prediction
This feels like a strong bounce-back spot for the Strikers. Their batting display against the Scorchers was well below their usual standard, and at home, on a surface they know well, they should be far more competitive. Matt Short has been getting starts consistently and is unlikely to let another one slip without converting.
The Thunder remain capable of producing moments of brilliance, but their inability to align batting and bowling performances continues to hurt them. Adelaide’s spin duo of Pope and Shamsi shapes as a major advantage against a Thunder batting line-up that has looked fragile outside of Warner. Back the Strikers to respond at home and get their season back on track.
Strikers to win
$1.75 (2 Units)
BBL Strikers vs Thunder Prop Bet
Matt Short over 25.5 runs is a strong play here. He has been consistently involved this season with scores of 15, 56, 63, 19 and 31, but is yet to fully cash in. Short averages 28.2 against the Thunder and an excellent 39.3 at Adelaide Oval, and on a ground where he loves batting, this shapes as the spot for him to turn another start into a meaningful score.
Matt Short over 25.5 runs
$1.87
