Big Bash League Final Round Preview
Big Bash League Final Round Preview. The last round of Big Bash matches will decide who plays finals and who does not. The competition is that even and hard to predict that anything could happen. It could all come down to the final match, the Melbourne Stars against the Sydney Sixers at the MCG in front of a big crowd. It would be the perfect prelude before finals.
Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Renegades
Adelaide Oval, 16 January
The Strikers lost their last game to the Stars after some late order hitting from Ben Hilfenhaus. Ben Dunk has been electric at the top, but he needs help, while it’s pleasing to see Ben Laughlin back and bowling well. The Renegades were looking at another win and a boast to their net run rate when it all unravelled. Melbourne batted beautifully to post a mammoth 222, and then 22-year-old Ben McDermott blasted an amazing 114 off 52 balls to guide Hobart to an astonishing win. That means Adelaide and Melbourne are both 2 wins and 4 losses and have a negative net run rate.
Stadium Record
Adelaide has won their last two home games against the Hurricanes and the Sixers. The Renegades have played at the Adelaide Oval twice for 1 win and 1 loss. That win was by 1 run in BBL03.
Head to Head Record
Adelaide has won the last two between these teams by 27 runs and 22 runs. They hold an overall winning advantage of 3-2 against the Renegades.
Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat
MCG, 17 January
Melbourne sits on top of the BBL ladder after comprehensively beating Perth at the WACA. They tore through the Scorchers top order and comfortably chased down 134. Brisbane are second on the ladder, but they are without superstars Chris Lynn and Brendon McCullum. The Heat struggled without Lynn in their last outing as they were rolled for 129.
Stadium Record
The Stars have split their two home games this year with 1 win and 1 loss. Brisbane has only played at the MCG once. It was last season and they won by 58 runs.
Head to Head Record
The Heat has won 3 of the last 4 between these teams. Brisbane won last season’s match on the back of West Indian import Sam Badree who took 5-22.
Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers
Spotless Stadium, 18 January
This is the final game for both teams. Sydney has won their last three and are just out of the finals. They were brilliant in their last match dismantling the Sixers. They bowled them out for 99 and made light work of the run chase. Meanwhile, Adelaide are playing their second game in three days and will be hoping for a win away from home.
Stadium Record
The Thunder has 1 win and 2 losses at home this season. The win was a last ball victory over the Stars. Adelaide has 2 wins and 2 losses at Spotless Stadium. They lost by 7 wickets at Spotless Stadium last season.
Head to Head Record
Sydney Thunder has won the last two matches between these teams. The most recent contest was last season’s semi-final when Usman Khawaja’s 104* led the Thunder to victory.
Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Renegades
Gabba, 20 January
The Heat now face the other Melbourne team after playing the Stars two days ago. The Renegades have an extra day’s rest but are travelling for the second straight match. Both teams are desperate to win. The key match-ups are McCullum vs Finch, Badree vs Narine, Steketee vs Pattinson and Swepson vs Hogg.
Stadium Record
For some reason Brisbane has struggled at home again. They have 1 win and 2 losses at the Gabba this season. The Renegades have only played at the Gabba once and it was a good result; a 7 wicket win last season.
Head to Head Record
The Renegades have won the last three between these teams. Brisbane’s last victory over the Renegades was the BBL02 semi-final.
Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers
Blundstone Arena, 21 January
A loss to the Renegades would have ended Hobart’s season and it looked a certainty after Melbourne made 222 and the Hurricanes were 2-19 in reply, however McDermott destroyed the Renegades’ attack and made an explosive century to guide Hobart to an unlikely victory. There is no way the Scorchers will allow such a score with their balanced and experienced bowlers, while they will be looking to take advantage of Hobart’s bowlers, after struggling against the Stars at home.
Stadium Record
Hobart has 1 win from their 3 home matches this season. Perth has won their last two at Blundstone Arena, including last season’s dramatic 1 run victory.
Head to Head Record
The Scorchers have won the last 4 matches between these two teams. Hobart’s last win over Perth was in BBL02.
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers
MCG, 21 January
Who knows what permutations will unfold in the final regular game in BBL06. What we do know is Melbourne and Sydney don’t like losing to each other and the Sixers have extra motivation after being thumped by the Thunder in their last outing. It is the perfect warmup before finals.
Stadium Record
It is consecutive home games for Melbourne after hosting the Heat four days earlier. Sydney has only played at the MCG twice for 1 tie and 1 loss. The tie was in BBL04.
Head to Head Record
The Melbourne Stars have a good record against the Sixers. They have won 3 of the last 4 with the other result a tie. Melbourne won last year’s match by 5 wickets.
