The final two round robin matches in the 2016/17 KFC Big Bash get underway on Saturday morning.
The last two round-robin matches of BBL06 are set to take place this Saturday and the stakes couldn’t be higher!
The first match will see the Hobart Hurricanes take on the Perth Scorchers at the Blundstone Arena before the Melbourne Stars and the Sydney Sixers go head to head at the MCG.
Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers | Saturday 21 January | Blundstone Arena | 07:10
To Win Match
Hurricanes 27/20 | Tie 35/1 | Scorchers 62/100
The Hurricanes still have a very small chance of getting into the semi-finals. They’ll need a number of other results to go their way while needing to score a massive win over the Scorchers on Saturday. They’ll also need the Heat to beat the Renegades (game on-going at the time of writing) as well as the Stars to beat the Sixers.
They’ve simply not done enough to warrant a place in the semi-finals in my opinion. That said, they put in the best team performance of the season when they successfully chased down the Renegades’ 222 last Thursday.
The ‘Canes will be relying heavily on George Bailey and Tim Paine who have been the standout batsmen for the Tasmanians. They’ve scored a combined total of 459 runs at the top of the order at averages of 59.25 and 31.71 respectively. If they fire, the Hurricanes are in with a chance.
The Scorchers, on the other hand, are playing for a home semi-final. If they put in a big performance and stomp the Hurricanes at the Blundstone arena, they’ll more than likely secure a home semi and possibly a home final if they make it that far in the competition.
The Perth side will be hoping to get more out of Shaun Marsh who has only managed an average of 11.16 in BBL06. He’s a quality player who has proven himself at international level. He’ll be desperate for some runs come Saturday.
Verdict: Scorchers 62/100
The Scorchers are the better side and I expect it to show when the sides meet on Saturday morning. I reckon they’ll breeze past a beleaguered Hurricanes, putting massive pressure on the Stars in the later game.
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers | Saturday 21 January | MCG | 10:25
To Win Match
Stars 82/100 | Tie 35/1 | Sixers 21/20
The last game of the of the round robin stages of BBL06 will see the Melbourne Stars go head to head with the Sydney Sixers. It’s a big match for both sides, with the Stars needing a win to guarantee a home semi-final. The Sixers will need a pretty big win to ensure they make the play-offs while also needing other results to go their way.
The Stars will be looking to bounce back following what was probably their worst performance of the season against the Heat. None of their big batsmen came off with Quiney and Pietersen both being dismissed for golden ducks.In fact, had it not been for Luck Wright’s superb 55-ball 60, the Stars may well not have made to three figures.
They’re a much better side than that result suggests though, and will look to get back to winning ways against the cornered Sixers. The Sydney franchise should probably be in a better position, however, a very poor eight-wicket defeat at the hands of the Thunder put them on the brink.
Verdict: Melbourne Stars 82/100
The Stars are the better team and will be keen to put their poor performance earlier this week behind them. With the added incentive of finishing top of the table, they should edge a spirited Sixers side. Get on at 82/100.
Written by Jason Dewey for @Hollywoodbets.
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