THE EDGE: The Edge previews Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder
MATCH OVERVIEW:
We have a huge Sydney Derby at the Big Bash on BETDAQ Betting Exchange as we close in on the final stages of the Big Bash. This game is massive in the race for the playoffs with a spot in the top two up for grabs. As we know in the Big Bash, finishing in the top two is a huge advantage with two chances of getting into the Final. The Sixers are pretty much used to these type of games; they have finished in the top two for the last five seasons, and they were third before that with the same amount of points as they second side! The Sixers have an incredible record in the Big Bash, and they won’t be lacking in experience with the pressure on here.
Getting into the top two would be new territory for the Thunder. They were the laughing stock of the tournament last season too finishing in last spot with just one win from their ten games. They’ve been a totally different side this season, and they really benefitted confidence wise from winning some very close games early in the tournament. They have the young Test star Sam Konstas to open the betting with David Warner now too. On paper, the Thunder batting line-up isn’t that impressive but you have to give them credit this season they have been pretty consistent.
The sides met very early in the Big Bash season; just before Christmas and it went to the final ball so hopefully we see the same amount of drama here! The Sixers won with a six on the second last ball to tie the game and then a single off the last ball. The Sixers now have Steven Smith at the top of the order too, and he looks in superb form as well.
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
Scoring conditions have been very good at the SCG this season. The wickets have been pretty flat; the Australia v India Test wicket probably had more in it than all the other games here this season! The Big Bash first inning scores have been 169/7 (chased), 194/9 (chased) and 220/3 (won). The last game the Sixers defended the 220, but they still conceded 200 in the chase and given how easily the opening two scores were chased I’d suggest the side who bats first needs to be aiming for 200+ here.
RECOMMENDED BET:
It’s not a surprise to see the Sixers as the favourites here. On paper, they have the stronger side and in fairness both sides have played very good cricket this season. They both deserve to be in the mix for the top two spots; obviously the Thunder are in a need-to-win situation given they are two points behind, but their net run rate should see them jump over the Sixers with a win. We have some huge wickets here in both sides now that the Aussie Test stars are back; I feel the Sixers offer value at 1.85 however. Steven Smith is obviously in superb form at the top of the order, but there’s a lot more back-up in the Sixer middle-order compared to the Thunder, and that’s where I see the game being won.
The Edge Says:
Two points win Sydney Sixers to beat Sydney Thunder at 1.85 with Betdaq Betting Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/SxrThu
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
Given the scoring conditions we have had here and the two batting line-ups being in such good form, I feel you want to focus on looking for trades on either batting side rather than finding the right time to support the bowlers. There weren’t many good times to support the bowlers here in the last game! Steven Smith looks is superb touch since joining the Big Bash after the Test series, and I’d happily support him given we should have a very good wicket here. I wouldn’t be surprised to see 195-200 chased here.
