THE EDGE: The Edge previews the BBL match between Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Stars with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Stars
MATCH OVERVIEW:
The Big Bash action continues on Betdaq Betting Exchange on Thursday morning as Hobart Hurricanes take on Melbourne Stars. While this might not be the highest quality game, this is a massive one for both sides. They have got off to a poor start as they both sit in the bottom three, and the loser here is probably looking at having their season over already! It’s already unlikely that these two will reach the playoffs, however obviously the winner here will give them a chance considering the playoff structure goes to fifth these days.
Melbourne Stars are in a worse position compared to Hobart Hurricanes. They have only managed one win from four games, while Hobart Hurricanes also only have one win they have played a game less. A win here and they wouldn’t be in too bad of a position. As I said above, how bad do you have to be to finish outside the top five in an eight team tournament! The Hurricanes have lost to Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers who are two of the strongest sides in the Big Bash, but a loss here would be a hammer blow against a very average Melbourne Stars side.
The Stars managed a very surprising win over the Sydney Sixers on Boxing Day; that came after three pretty heavy defeats and although that might give them some confidence, their squad looks very weak. They finished last in the tournament last season, and it already feels like they’ll be hanging around the bottom again this season. It’s a must win game for both sides.
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
This is the second game at in Hobart, and the Bellerive Oval is generally a good place to bat. Melbourne Renegades posted 183/5 in the first game here and Hobart Hurricanes chased it down with an over to spare. We did have some very low scores here last season though! The first inning scores last season were; 122 all out (won), 177/6 (chased), 131/7 (chased), 135 all out (chased) and 180/7 (won). Batting conditions looked good here in the first game, and I’d lean towards chasing.
RECOMMENDED BET:
Melbourne Stars haven’t looked up to scratch so far at the Big Bash this season, so it’s no surprise to see Hobart Hurricanes as the favourites. I’m keen to keep stakes low in this one as you can pick holes in both sides, but the 1.82 on the Hurricanes is big enough to back in my opinion. Melbourne Stars bowling has looked very average, and although their batting did well on Boxing Day I can see their bowlers really struggling again in the conditions. We had high drama with the field restrictions when the Hurricanes beat the Melbourne Renegades; hopefully there’s less drama for favourite backers this time.
The Edge Says:
One point win Hobart Hurricanes to beat Melbourne Stars at 1.82 with Betdaq Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/HobMel
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
There’s two angles I would be keen to look at here; the first one is getting against the Melbourne Stars bowling – I’m happy to take them on in either innings based on the scores in the first game here. I think if the Hurricanes bat first they will go very well; however I would lean towards chasing at this ground. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Hurricanes chase down 170 or 180 if the Melbourne Stars can actually get that.
