After 32 regular season games and two semi-finals we are down to the final in the Big Bash League and as has been the case on two previous occasions the Perth Scorchers and the Sydney Sixers will battle it out for the title at the WACA.
The Sixers won the first final between the two but Perth have gained revenge since then and they will complete their trilogy of finals in this match.
Perth Scorchers
The Scorchers made it into this final with a really fine win over the Melbourne Stars which was set up by a brutal and brilliant spell of bowling from Mitchell Johnson. The big quick took three wickets without conceding a run in his first three overs and there was never going to be a way back for the Stars from that position.
Having won the title twice we know the Scorchers know how to get the job done and if they can continue to put up decent runs their bowling looks likely to stand up to anything that comes at them so with home advantage too Justin Langer’s men will be confident of securing a third title.
Sydney Sixers
If the Scorchers cruised into the final the Sixers were the complete opposite. They had to come through an epic tussle with the Brisbane Heat which they finally came through in a super over to make it into this final. That showed they can hold their nerve in the pressure moments and that is never a bad thing heading into a final.
As ever the fear for Sydney Sixers is with their batting and they showed why in that semi-final. Really they should have absolutely cruised to victory in that match but a lack of depth created a stumble and in the end they fell over the line. One of the top four has to take responsibility and bat through the innings to put up a competitive total.
Team News
Jason Behrendorff has been included in the squad for the first time this season having recovered from injury but it would be a huge call to play him especially as the bowlers have gone well. Shaun Marsh has left for international duty so Cameron Bancroft replaces him in the squad.
Sydney Sixers will be without Colin Munro for this final. He has been called back for New Zealand duty so the pacer Henry Thornton replaces him in the squad. Given the conditions he could well start too.
Betting
I think the bowlers will dominate this final but the extra batting depth and power in the Perth Scorchers line up makes them worthy favourites in my eyes. When these two met in the regular season in Sydney spin strangled the Scorchers but I don’t think that will happen here and what is more Perth have Mitchell Johnson at their disposal for this one too.
Ultimately I think that will all be a little too much. There are no signs of this Scorchers attack getting smoked about and if Johnson strikes early the gaping hole lower down the batting order of the Sixers will be exposed leaving the home side to land a third Big Bash League title.
Tips
WON – Back Perth Scorchers to beat Sydney Sixers for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with Skybet
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