Written by Jason Dewey for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
The chase for KFC Big Bash play-off glory is reaching fever pitch, with virtually every team except the Brisbane Heat still battling it out for a coveted knockout spot. The level of skill, drama, and sheer excitement on display in this tournament is truly world class — setting a high bar even for the IPL when it kicks off in April.
Thursday 7 January
Thunder 5/4
Draw 35/1
Scorchers 13/20
The Sydney Thunder face off against the Perth Scorchers at the Sydney Showground Stadium on Thursday. Both teams remain in the play-off zone but recent shaky performances have seen them slide down the ranks.
Thunder started the season strong with three wins but recently dropped two away matches to the Hurricanes and the Heat. Their latest loss to Brisbane marked the Heat’s first win this season in tricky, wet conditions. Jacques Kallis and Aiden Blizzard gave the Thunder a solid opening stand before Shane Watson and Michael Hussey built a hefty 97-run partnership, with Hussey outscoring Watson. Andre Russell’s explosive 20 off 9 balls pushed their total to a challenging 186-5 in 20 overs.
Though daunted, the Heat rallied well with solid contributions from Jimmy Pierson and Lendl Simmons who built a 72-run opening stand, followed by a masterful 75 off 32 balls from captain Chris Lynn. Their victory was sealed with a powerful hit from Ben Cutting with three balls to spare.
The Scorchers, looking formidable through the season with dominant wins over the Heat, Renegades, and Sixers, were recently humbled by the Strikers. While Mahela Jayawardene showcased his class with a breezy 57, the Scorchers were overwhelmed by a disciplined attack led by Adil Rashid’s 3 wickets for 23 runs. David Willey’s expensive overs ultimately couldn’t stem the Striker’s charge to 174-2. The Scorchers stuttered in the chase losing key batsmen early and were bowled out for 138, falling short by 36 runs.
Despite the recent setback, the Scorchers boast enough firepower to bounce back strongly against a struggling Thunder side. We’re backing their powerful top order to shine on Thursday morning at 13/20 odds.
Friday 8 January
Heat 5/4 *Expected odds
Draw 35/1
Strikers 31/50
Friday’s showdown has the table-topping Adelaide Strikers visiting the struggling Brisbane Heat at Brisbane Oval. A win for the Strikers would likely seal their play-off spot, while the Heat are fighting to keep their season alive.
The Heat claimed their first win last game against the Thunder with a challenging chase guided by Pierson, Simmons and Lynn, securing victory with three balls to spare. Their track record in the Big Bash play-offs is limited, having only qualified once back in the 2012-13 season when they went on to win the title — a feat that looks unlikely this season with four losses out of five matches so far.
The Strikers have been phenomenal this season, with their only loss coming against the Sixers on December 28. Key performer Adil Rashid has taken 10 wickets in five games at an impressive average of 14.40, while Tim Head and Brad Hodge are averaging 67 and 50 with the bat respectively.
Their strength lies in the team’s collective effort compared to others like the Thunder or the Melbourne teams who heavily depend on a few star players. We’re confident the Strikers will dominate and back them to claim a convincing victory against the Heat at 31/50 odds.
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