Big Bash League Preview 16/17 - Games 1-5
BBL06 has five matches prior to Christmas to whet the appetite. It starts with a bang as the defending champions the Sydney Thunder take on their crosstown rivals the Sydney Sixers. Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth also get a taste of the action before the competition briefly pauses for the festive season. Let's take a look at the Big Bash League Preview for the first 5 games of the tournament.
Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers
Spotless Stadium, 20 December
After four disappointing seasons the Sydney Thunder made finals for the first time last season. They finished fourth and then went all the way on the back of Usman Khawaja. Meanwhile, the Sydney Sixers had their worst result in five seasons by finishing last. They only had 2 wins last season.
Stadium Record
The Thunder had mixed results at home last season at Spotless Stadium. They had 2 wins and 2 losses. One of those wins was against the Sixers. It’s the only game the Sixers have played at Spotless Stadium and it was a 36 run defeat.
Head to Head Record
The Sydney Thunder won both encounters last season by 36 runs and 46 runs. The wins were their first victories over ‘big brother’. During the first four seasons the Sydney Sixers won all seven battles.
Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat
Adelaide Oval, 21 December
Adelaide topped the ladder with 7 wins and 1 loss last season, but lost their semi-final to the Thunder. Brisbane finished sixth last season with 3 wins and 5 loses, however they won 3 of their last 4 games including wins against both finalists.
Stadium Record
Adelaide won their four preliminary matches at the Adelaide Oval last season. Their only loss was in the semi-final. Brisbane has played twice at the Adelaide Oval for 2 wins, but they have not played there since BBL03.
Head to Head Record
Adelaide and Brisbane have played each other five times with a 3-2 split in Adelaide’s favour. Adelaide won the last two matches by 5 wickets and 8 wickets.
Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder
Etihad Stadium, 22 December
The Renegades start their season at home. They finished fifth last season with 3 wins from 8 games. This is Sydney Thunder’s second game in BBL06 after opening the season at home against the Sixers.
Stadium Record
The Melbourne Renegades have only won 3 of their last 12 games at Etihad Stadium, and they did not win a home game last season. The Thunder has played at the venue twice for 1 win and 1 loss.
Head to Head Record
The Renegades have a good record over the Thunder. They have played each other five times and Melbourne has won four of them. Sydney’s only win was in 2014 when they won by 9 wickets.
Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes
SCG, 23 December
Hobart finished seventh last season with 3 wins. Two of those wins were against the Heat and the other was an 11 run victory against the Sydney Thunder. The Sixers BBL06 campaign began three days ago against the Thunder.
Stadium Record
The Sixers don’t have an imposing home record. They only won one game there last season and have won 6 of their last 17 games at the SCG. The Hurricanes have 1 win from 3 attempts at the SCG.
Head to Head Record
The Sixers and Hurricanes have met six times. Sydney has recorded 4 wins and Hobart 2. Sydney has won the last three matches between these teams including a 95 run victory last season.
Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers
WACA, 23 December
Perth finished third last year with 5 wins and 3 losses, before losing their semi-final against the Melbourne Stars. That lost ended their hopes of three straight titles. Adelaide has already tasted BBL06 action against the Heat.
Stadium Record
The Scorchers enjoy playing at home. They have 17 wins and 8 losses at the WACA. They split their four games there last season, which was their worst result in five seasons. The WACA holds no fears for Adelaide. They have 3 wins from 5 games, and have won their last two there.
Head to Head Record
Adelaide has a winning record against the successful Scorchers. They have won 5 of the 9 contests. The Strikers have won their last two games against the Scorchers by 36 runs and 4 wickets.
Blue Bet Words: Rhys Thurston
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For the first 5 games of BBL06, if any player in your teams score 50+ runs but your team lose the match, we'll refund your bet up to $50 as REAL CASH! T&Cs apply. Sadly not available to residents of NSW or SA. For full details, click here.
