Big Bash League Final Preview
Perth Scorchers (1.75) vs Sydney Sixers (2.10)
WACA, 28 January
Big Bash League Final Preview. The Scorchers Big Bash record is incredible. This is their fifth final in six seasons, and they are aiming for their third title. Their semi-final victory over the Stars was complete. Mitchell Johnson ripped the match open on the very first ball and never handed back control. His figures of 3-3 off four overs had to be seen to be believed. The Stars scrounged 136, but Sam Whiteman, Shaun Marsh, Adam Voges and Ian Bell ensured a comfortable victory. There will be nothing new from Perth in the final. There will be consistent and tight bowling from Johnson, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye and Tim Bresnan, with Ashton Agar and Ashton Turner providing spin options. The batting has been weakened with Shaun Marsh’s unavailability just as he was finding touch. The good news is their batting depth is long, but for the late order hitters to be effective they plan for the top to set a solid foundation.
Sydney last played in a final in BBL04 and they lost to the Scorchers on the last ball of the match. Their only title was in BBL01. The Sixers’ path into this season’s final was the complete opposite to Perth’s. They travelled to Brisbane and took on the Heat. They bowled first and withstood a Brendon McCullum blast. Nathan Lyon was superb and ended up with 4-23 off his four overs. Moises Henriques was the standout with the bat, but it wasn’t enough as scores were tied after 40 overs. Henriques put the pads on again and smashed 22 off the super over. It was too much for Brisbane and now Sydney travel across the Nullarbor. Sydney has plenty of bowling options; Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Ben Dwarshuis, Henriques, Lyon and Johan Botha. Their batting is capable, but does not have the depth like Perth. Henriques will need runs again, while Daniel Hughes has been good at the top. Michael Lumb, Nic Maddinson and Brad Haddin will be hoping they saved their best for last.
Stadium Record
Perth has 3 wins and 2 losses at the WACA this season. Their 3 wins were typical Scorchers’ victories, while their 2 losses involved a spectacular batting collapse and a Lynn/McCullum barrage. The Sixers have only played at the WACA once since BBL01. It was last season and they lost by 9 wickets.
Head to Head Record
Sydney beat the Scorchers by 6 wickets earlier this season. Their bowlers shared the spoils and restricted Perth to 130. They easily chased it down with even contributions from their top five. It was Sydney’s first victory over Perth since BBL01.
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