BBL07 Round 2
BlueBet previews the BBL07 Round 2 action below. Read on for our best betting tips per game and an overview of the feature games this round.
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Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers
When: 23 Dec 2017, 3:10pm (AEDT)
Where: SCG, Sydney
Odds: Sixers $1.71, Scorchers $2.15
Form Guide
The Sixers were looking towards a first-round victory until they conceded 15 runs in the last over against Thunder. They'll look to improve their batting as they struggled in the early overs. But they did find a new star bowler in Daniel Sams. On Saturday, they return to the SCG for the first time this season and face the depleted Scorchers.
Despite winning the final against the Sixers last season, the Scorchers squad has been ripped apart. The Marsh brothers and Cam Bancroft are playing for Australia. While in the bowling stocks, Coulter-Nile and Behrendorff are injured. Michael Klinger is out indefinitely and keeper Sam Whiteman is injured. So the Scorchers will be relying on veterans Mitch Johnson and Adam Voges. It will also give their younger players an opportunity to impress coach Justin Langer.
Top Runscorer: Sixers
In the match against the Thunder, Sam Billings top scored with 32 after the top order collapsed. But in this match, Daniel Hughes and Nic Maddinson are the two prime targets. Hughes is in great form at the top of the order and if he can get past Mitch Johnson, runs will be on the cards. While for Maddinson, he scored a quick-fire 31 with 2 sixes, which was a great sign after a poor BBL06 season. In the end, Maddinson showed good signs of form in Round 1 and we're backing him here.
Best Bet: Nic Maddinson ($4.33)
Top Runscorer: Scorchers
Hilton Cartwright is the likely key batsman for the Scorchers. He top scored in the warm-up match against the Lions and pays over $4. Adam Voges is a quality batsman and could score 50 if they lose early wickets. Ashton Turner is also good value having scored over 100 runs last season. But Cartwright is batting in the top order and we're expecting him to top score.
Best Bet: Hilton Cartwright ($4.33)
Prediction
Sixers WIN ($1.71)
The Sixers cannot afford to drop this game against a massively under strength Scorchers side. They'll also be looking for revenge after losing the BBL06 final.
Melbourne Renegades vs Brisbane Heat
When: 23 Dec 2017, 7:25pm
Where: Docklands, Melbourne
Odds: Renegades $1.68, Heat $2.20
Form Guide
The Renegades opened the Big Bash season with an impressive win over the Hurricanes in Hobart. Dwayne Bravo took 5 wickets and Cameron White scored 79 not out as they comfortably chased down 164.
Brisbane kicked off BBL07 with an important home win over the Stars. They'll be pleased with the victory after Chris Lynn was absent. Joe Burns and Alex Ross both hit a half-century and Brendon McCullum scored 40 off just 22 balls. The bowlers all chipped in with key wickets and the Heat defended 206 at the Gabba.
Top Runscorer: Renegades
Cameron White was in vintage form against the Hurricanes and he's the form batsman to watch in this match. Aaron Finch was out in the first over last match, so he'll be looking for a big score here. He totalled 354 runs last season and loves playing at Docklands. Marcus Harris is also one to watch in the top order as he scored 50 runs against the Hurricanes. While if the Renegades lose quick wickets, Brad Hodge is always reliable at number 5. But in the end, we can't go past White after his knock in Hobart.
Best Bet: Cameron White ($4)
Top Runscorer: Heat
Brendon McCullum hit a quick-fire 40 against the Stars and should enjoy facing the Renegades opening bowlers. But in the middle order, there is value to be had. Alex Ross and Joe Burns are both paying over $6, but they did score fifties against the Stars. The doubt on the middle order will be facing in-form bowler Dwayne Bravo. So we'll stick with the safe bet in McCullum.
Best Bet: Brendon McCullum ($3.20)
Prediction
Renegades WIN ($1.68)
These two teams will likely be near the top of the ladder come seasons end, so this is going to be a close contest. The home side has been dominant so far in the Big Bash and the Renegades have arguably the best all-round lineup in the league. So we'll back them to just beat the Heat.
Other Round 2 Big Bash Tips:
Scorchers vs Stars - Stars WIN ($1.80)
Heat vs Thunder - Heat WIN ($1.71)
