THE EDGE: The Edge previews the BBL match between Melbourne Renegades v Melbourne Stars with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
Melbourne Renegades v Melbourne Stars
MATCH OVERVIEW:
We have back-to-back Derbies at the Big Bash on Betdaq Betting Exchange, and it’s Melbourne’s turn on Saturday morning as the Renegades host the Stars. This is part of a massive double header on Saturday as Perth Scorchers take on the Brisbane Heat in the early game, however after Brisbane won on Wednesday they are already certain of topping the table. These two sides have had mixed fortunes – Melbourne Stars started the tournament very poorly with three losses and it looked like they would finish last again like last season. However, four wins in a row before that run ended last weekend has put them in the mix for the playoffs.
At the moment, it looks like the Renegades will take up that last spot this season. Only three points from their eight games has been a woeful return. One win from seven completed games, and while they haven’t been hammered in every game they are just struggling to play well enough over the course of 40 overs to get over the line. It has mainly been the bowling that has let them down – the betters have posted some decent scores. 183/5 against Hobart Hurricanes comes to mind but that was chased down with an over to spare. Their bowling just looks a little toothless.
The last Melbourne Derby at the start of the year was heavily affected by rain, but the Stars got the job done. They chased down 97/7 in 12 overs. Maxwell and Stoinis have played match winning knocks this season and when they tend to play well the rest of the Stars team works around them.
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
Docklands is always a superb place to watch cricket – it is rare to see cricket under a roof and obviously that is possible here. This is the final game of the tournament, and so far it has paid to chase here. The three first inning scores have been 162/8, 177/6 and 147/4 – all three have been chased down. It’s a no brainer to chase here if you win the toss.
RECOMMENDED BET:
The Renegades have been quite poor at times this season, they have lacked quality in the bowling department and that has meant they’ve found it very hard to control games. They did chase down 177/6 here, but that was probably conditions working in their favour rather than talent. Obviously the side who chases will have an edge here, and with Melbourne Stars trading 1.69 I don’t feel comfortable backing them at those odds if they bat first. I feel the best option will be backing the side who bowls first, just reducing stakes if that is Renegades and increasing them if Stars bowl first.
The Edge Says:
Two points win The Side Who Bowls First (1.65 or bigger) with Betdaq Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/RenSta
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
As I mentioned above, the Renegades bowling hasn’t been up to standard this season and I would be keen to take them on again here. I also believe that batting second will provide a decent edge, and getting on the chasing side at the inning break should be a nice position. I wouldn’t expect a low score from the side batting first, just that chasing isn’t difficult here. If the Stars got to chase, that would be the ideal scenario – especially if the score was a little high so we got a good value price in the market.
