3 minute read
Our cricket expert John M provides his full in-depth preview, analysis and expert Big Bash tips across each and every match of the 2023/24 BBL 13 T20 Cricket series, right here on the Betfair Hub!
ADELAIDE STRIKERS V SYDNEY THUNDER
After their first match was washed out the Adelaide Strikers make a belated start to the competition when they welcome the Sydney Thunder to the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday. The Strikers suffered a hammer blow on the eve of the tournament with the withdrawal of prolific leg-spinner Rashid Khan and a result they have changed their approach, filling Rashid's overseas spot with left-arm seamer David Payne. While the batting again looks top heavy with new captain Matthew Short and the ever-present Chris Lynn joined by BBL regular Darcy Short in the top three. The Thunder will be looking to bounce back after their opening match ended in a 20-run defeat to the Brisbane Heat despite a superb spell from prodigious leggie Tanveer Sangha (3/21 off four overs) as Sydney failed to chase down a middling score of 7/151.
STRATEGY:
At home, the Strikers are favoured to get the chocolates against a Thunder side who have some question marks around the balance of their side. However Sydney's batting unit should be boosted by the return of youngster Jason Sangha who can also provide some overs of spin, while the Strikers look decidedly light in the middle-order and don't have the same quality or variety of options with the ball as their opponents, so I'm smelling an upset in this one.
Betting Strategy
BACK: Sydney Thunder at $2.15+ for 1 unit 
PERTH SCORCHERS V HOBART HURRICANES
The defending champions will be looking to lay down another marker on the competition when they clash with the Hobart Hurricanes at Optus Stadium on Wednesday night. After their first match was abandoned due to a dangerous pitch, the Scorchers wasted no time in kick-starting their title defence with a comfortable seven-wicket win over the beleaguered Melbourne Stars that was set up by a clinical effort in the field, routing the Stars for just 101 with new-ball specialist Jason Behrendorff capturing 3/28 off four overs. While rookie Hamish McKenzie claimed player of the match honours with 2/12 off four overs. Things were not so rosy for the Hurricanes who began BBL13 with a six-wicket loss at the hands of the Sydney Sixers as they failed to capitalise on a whirlwind start from opener Caleb Jewell (42 off 24 balls), stammering to 8/135 which the Magenta Men overhauled in the last over despite a probing spell from Kiwi all-rounder Corey Anderson (2/10 off 3.3 overs).
STRATEGY:
It's been almost five years since Hobart won in the west and the punters are expecting the drought to continue with the reigning title-holders going in as explicit favourites. Although we don't wish to oppose Perth, particularly at home, the Canes do have the quality to trouble them, particularly with the bat and with both sides stacked with powerful hitters, we fancy there could be plenty of balls clearing the boundary on Wednesday.
Betting Strategy
BACK: Total Sixes 14 and Over at $2.20+ for 1 unit
MELBOURNE RENEGADES V BRISBANE HEAT
It's been a fast start for the Brisbane Heat who will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce to start the tournament as they travel to Marvel Stadium to take on the Melbourne Renegades. Prior to the pitch fiasco at Geelong, the Renegades were edged out by the Sydney Sixers at the SCG, going down by just eight runs in a tight affair despite a wonderful all-round performance from Will Sutherland (2/21 off four overs and 51 not out off 30 balls). Last Tuesday the Heat recorded their second win from as many matches, overcoming the Sydney Thunder by 20 runs with captain Colin Munro (46 off 33 balls) again leading the way with the bat, before English all-rounder Paul Walter strangled the Thunder with the ball, picking up 2/22 off four overs.
STRATEGY:
Although Melbourne have won four of their past six matches at Marvel, the market is expecting Brisbane's impressive run to continue, installing them as narrow jollies. It's hard to fault what the Heat have produced thus far, however their batting has been undoubtedly propped up by Munro.
The Gades not only possess an ideal blend of youth and experience in their batting order, but a bowling attack which is perfectly suited to the slower conditions at Docklands so I'm expecting the hosts to get the job done.
Betting Strategy
BACK: Melbourne Renegades at $2.05+ for 1 unit
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