BBL07 Round 1
BlueBet previews the BBL07 Round 1 action below. Read on for our best betting tips per game and an overview of the feature games this week.
Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers
When: 19 Dec 2017, 6:40pm (AEDT)
Where: Spotless Stadium, Sydney
Odds: Sixers $1.82, Thunder $2.00
Form Guide
For the home side (Thunder), they finished on the bottom last season and will be looking to rebound. They’re led by Shane Watson and he’ll be the key for the Thunder throughout the tournament. However, they’ll be missing key players to the Australian squad in Cummins and Khawaja. They also won’t have dynamic West Indian Andre Russel after his doping ban. The additions to the squad include Mitchell McClenaghan (NZ), Jos Butler (ENG) and Callum Ferguson.
The Sixers made the Big Bash final last season but went down to the mighty Scorchers by 9 wickets. This season, they’ve stuck with mostly the same side. They have just lost veterans Brad Haddin and Doug Bollinger, but that paves the way for the Sixers youth. Sean Abbot had a breakout season for the Sixers last season as he led the league with 20 wickets and he provides some late order hitting. They also have one of the best all-rounders in domestic cricket in Moises Henriques. In the batting department, we’re expecting Nic Maddinson to find some form this season and the English batting pair of Jason Roy/Sam Billings to lead the way.
Head to Head Record
In the corresponding first game last season, the Sixers dominated the Thunder in a 9 wicket victory. However, the Thunder responded in the second meeting with an 8 wicket victory. They chased down 100 in just 10 overs and lost 2 wickets.
Prediction
Sixers WIN ($1.82)
On paper, the Sixers are the better side and they beat the Thunder in Round 1 last season. Their batting options are very strong and we can see them taking out the first game of BBL07. The Thunder will be relying on Watson to score the majority of runs as the lineup below him is under-strength.
Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars
When: 20 Dec 2017, 6:40pm
Where: Gabba, Brisbane
Odds: Stars $1.87, Heat $1.94
Form Guide
The Heat were the surprising team of BBL06 as they finished second. They lost the semi-final at home in a super over, so they were unlucky to not reach the final. They’ve made a few key squad changes with the addition of Pakistan duo Yasir Shah and Shadab Khan. But they have lost a few talented players in Wildermuth, Badree, Fekete and Reardon. There is also concern over Chris Lynn’s shoulder. He missed the latter stages of last season and the Heat will need his batting power.
The Stars also made the finals last season and lost to eventual winners, Perth. From last season, they’ve picked up the leading run scorer in Ben Dunk and he should have another good season with the willow. Their also very strong in the all-rounder department with the likes of Maxwell, Stoinis, Faulkner and Hastings. The spin combination of Beer and Zampa is one to watch as well. While in the batting, Maxwell is in great touch and Kevin Pietersen loves playing in the Big Bash.
Head to Head Record
The Heat have won the last 3 meetings and comfortably beat the Stars in both clashes last season.
Prediction
Heat WIN ($1.94)
This should be a close game in Brisbane. But we do like the home side as the underdog. Chris Lynn has declared himself fit and he loves smashing sixes at the Gabba. The Heat have also dominated the Stars in the last 2 meetings and they were both in Melbourne. So at home, they’re a great bet here.
Other Round 1 Big Bash Tips:
Hurricanes vs Renegades - Renegades WIN ($1.78)
Strikers vs Thunder - Strikers WIN ($1.80)
