Written by Jason Dewey for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
There’s no rest for Australia’s biggest hitters as the KFC Big Bash edges nearer to the play-off stage. Matches continue to race by, with the Sydney Thunder surprisingly storming ahead as we kick off the new year.
For Melbourne’s two star-packed sides, the clock is ticking. Both teams have managed just one win in three matches and face the risk of falling behind, nestled with the Heat at the bottom of the table.
Friday 1 January
Hurricanes 1/1
Draw 35/1
Thunder 7/5
After years of watching their crosstown rivals take the spotlight, Sydney Thunder now look like genuine contenders in BBL05. Convincing victories over the Sixers and Strikers, plus a nail-biting one-run win over the Stars, have Michael Hussey and his squad comfortably sitting at the summit with an impressive net run rate. Their New Year’s Day challengers also boast a solid start and currently hold the crucial fourth play-off spot.
The Hurricanes’ start was less than ideal – including a hefty 95-run loss to the Sixers, the biggest margin this season – leaving fans worried. But the team bounced back with back-to-back wins against the struggling Brisbane Heat. Daniel Christian shined with a remarkable 24-ball 56, smashing the ball to the roof with a powerful front-foot stroke. Contributions from Ben Dunk (27 off 22), Tim Paine (25 off 22), Kumar Sangakkara (32 off 19), and George Bailey (27 off 21) helped them defend their 194-4 total effectively, despite the fiery Chris Lynn’s century for the Heat.
The Thunder have been on fire, winning all three games to date. Their recent match against the Strikers showcased their bowling prowess, restricting the Strikers to just 117-9. Leg spinner Fawad Ahmed was particularly impressive, snaring key wickets economically. Adding Shane Watson and Andre Russell to the batting line-up has brought much-needed experience and versatility with seven capable bowlers ready to make an impact.
Though the Hurricanes are a tough side, the Thunder’s dominant form, both at home and on the road, has made them a tough nut to crack so far. With the Hurricanes yet to face many top teams, backing the Thunder at 7/5 looks like a savvy wager.
Saturday 2 January
Stars 3/4
Draw 35/1
Renegades 4/5
The much-anticipated “Battle for Melbourne” will see the Stars and Renegades clash at the iconic MCG, with a near-capacity crowd expected. Spectators will be treated to big-hitters like Chris Gayle, Aaron Finch, Dwayne Bravo, Kevin Pietersen and Glenn Maxwell lighting up the field.
The Stars, desperate to secure their place in the play-offs after defeats in their opening two games, secured a morale-boosting win over the Sixers in their latest outing. Moses Henriques, unfortunately, had to retire hurt with a calf injury after scoring a stylish 41 off 34 balls. Bowling heroes Michael Beer and Adam Zampa kept the Sixers to 139-6 with economical spells.
The Renegades feature arguably the competition’s strongest batting line-up, but even with big guns like Bravo, Gayle, and Finch, they suffered a tough 10-wicket loss to Perth Scorchers. A solid 170-run total was chased down thanks to stellar performances by Shaun Marsh and Michael Clinger.
Both teams have had mixed fortunes so far, each with just one win. Given their stellar player rosters, expect both sides to lift their game. The Renegades, though unlucky in past matches, have shown slightly better form and are tipped to edge out their rivals at 4/5 odds.
