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!
SYDNEY SIXERS VS SYDNEY THUNDER
After the first Sydney Smash of the season was curtailed by rain, the Sixers and the Thunder will give it another go on Friday night when they do battle at the SCG. The Sixers look set for another semi-final appearance after they saw off the Melbourne Stars by seven wickets on Saturday night thanks to a tight spell from tweaker Todd Murphy (2/15 off four overs) which helped restrict the Stars to 4/156 which was chased down with 11 balls remaining as Englishman James Vince stroked a classy 79 off 57 balls.
The Thunder's hopes of a top-four finish are much more precarious after they were overrun by the Perth Scorchers by seven wickets at the Sydney Showground Stadium despite a welcome return to form from opener Alex Hales (72 off 55 balls) and a zippy performance from pace-bowling all-rounder Nathan McAndrew (2/27 off four overs).
The Sixers were unfortunate to be robbed of a derby win by the rain last time out but the punters believe they'll be recording a fifth-straight win over their bitter rivals. There's enough talent in the Thunder squad to suggest that they should be travelling much better than they are, however with an unreliable middle-order and inconsistent bowling attack they look ripe for the picking against the Magenta Men who are just starting to warm towards their own title challenge.
Betting Strategy
BACK: Sydney Sixers at $1.70+ for 2 units 
MELBOURNE RENEGADES VS MELBOURNE STARS
Theoretically there may be little to play for for the Melbourne Renegades but they always summon plenty of energy and effort against crosstown rivals Melbourne Stars who they entertain on Saturday night. The Renegades' faint hopes of a top-four birth went out the window when they went down to the Hobart Hurricanes by five wickets last Thursday with sparkling performances from English import Jordan Cox (47 off 36 balls) and debutant quick Fergus O'Neill (2/25 off four overs) all too rare bright spots in what has been a horror campaign.
After four straight wins the Melbourne Stars were brought back to earth by the Sydney Sixers last Saturday, beaten by seven wickets despite a punchy 36 off 34 balls from Englishman Dan Lawrence and a successful return from paceman Scott Boland (2/38 off four overs).
Given the contrasting fortunes of the two teams from the Victorian capital it comes as little surprise to see the Stars installed as clear favourites in this one. However it is the Gades who have had the better of the recent clashes in the derby, winning four of the past six and so it is difficult to justify backing the Stars at this price. But what does present superior value are the odds for the likes of Maxwell, Stoinis, Webster, Cartwright et al to clear the ropes more frequently than their struggling opponents.
Betting Strategy
BACK: Melbourne Stars Most Sixes at $1.70+ for 1 unit
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