FRIDAY BBL: The Edge previews Sydney Sixers v Hobart Hurricanes with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
Challenger: Sydney Sixers v Hobart Hurricanes
MATCH OVERVIEW:
The Big Bash Playoffs continue on Betdaq Betting Exchange with the Challenger on Friday! Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes clash with a place in the Final on the line – Sydney Sixers were beaten easily by Perth Scorchers on Tuesday in the Qualifier while Hobart Hurricanes won a rain effected game against Melbourne Stars on Wednesday. Both sides actually finished on the same points in the table this season, so maybe it’s fitting that they clash here to face Perth Scorchers on Sunday, who topped the table.
At the start of the week, it looked like Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers were by far the top two sides with the Australian players coming in after the Ashes. Perth have opted to not really have any major Aussie stars recently and go for consistency over the whole tournament. With Mitchell Starc and Steven Smith coming into Sydney Sixers, what a boost for them. The problem for the Sixers in the Qualifier this week was neither of them had any support – Smith scored 37 and the next best was only 15 as they were all out for 99.
Obviously we can’t read too much into the Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Stars with the rain, but Hobart came out on top – they got to bat ten overs and then more rain came to reduce the Stars innings to just 7 overs. It was exceptionally close, and that might stand to them holding their nerve in another must win game.
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
We move to Sydney for the Challenger, and because of the Ashes Test here later in the series, we only had four Big Bash games here this season. One of those games was lost to rain too – ironically when these two sides met! Sydney Sixers were on 32/0 after five overs and that was game over, which is a shame given they meet again here. The first inning scores here this season have been 159/9 (chased), 144 all out (chased) and 189/6 (chased). It’ll be interesting to see what the winning captain does at the toss, but I’d definitely have to lean towards the chasing side. In Australia they always say runs on the board in a big game but I’m not sure here!
RECOMMENDED BET:
It’s no surprise to see Sydney Sixers as the marginal favourites here in a reasonably even market. On paper, they look the stronger side with the addition of the Aussie Internationals. I do feel that 1.88 still offers a shade of value, however I am a little worried about Starc and Smith not getting much support against Perth Scorchers on Tuesday. However, as I said above they do have calmer waters here against Hobart Hurricanes. I’m happy to have a small bet at 1.88.
The Edge Says:
One point win Sydney Sixers to beat Hobart Hurricanes at 1.88 with Betdaq Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/BBSyHo
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
Mitchell Starc and Steven Smith have obviously made the Sydney Sixers side look much stronger, but they didn’t get much help on Tuesday against the Perth Scorchers. They might get on better here with Hobart Hurricanes a lower standard than Perth Scorchers. That being said, I do feel it will offer an edge to bowl first here, so I would lean towards supporting the chasing side. Before we get there though, the batting surface has been good so perhaps it’s best to wait until the innings break before supporting the chasing side.
