We have another double header of action in the Big Bash League on Saturday and it begins in the unusual surroundings of Alice Springs. This is the first time the tournament has ventured to this part of the country and the crowd should get a good game between the top two in the table Adelaide Strikers and Perth Scorchers.
These two have been the best two teams in the competition and whoever wins here will have more than one foot in the semi-final. They will probably end up hosting one too which would be huge for their chances.
Adelaide Strikers
For the third season in four the Adelaide Strikers are on a charge in the regular season. They haven’t yet extended that to make the final of the tournament but they seem to have totally cracked the first part of the tournament. They have five wins from their six matches this term with their only slip up coming against a surging Hobart Hurricanes.
The Strikers have ridden their success through their bowling attack so far this season and I would imagine if they are going to be successful in the business end of the tournament then it is that part of the field they rely on but their batting is steadily starting to deliver better performances which is exactly what they need.
Perth Scorchers
This has probably been the most turbulent season in Perth Scorchers history but despite that they have five wins from their first seven matches and two more in their last three will guarantee them a spot in yet another semi-final as they bid to defend their title. A win here would have extra significance in the race for a home semi.
Much like their opponents in this match, the Perth Scorchers’ success has been based on the quality of their bowling attack but with international call ups taking a significant part of that away they are going to need their batsmen to stand up and be counted for the remainder of the campaign. Time will tell if that can and will happen.
Team News
Adelaide Strikers have now lost their captain Travis Head. He has gone away to Australia for international duty. Colin Ingram will take over the armband and lead the side in his absence.
Perth Scorchers were without enough players as it was after Australia came calling but they too will be without their captain for this match as Adam Voges has been given a one match ban for an awful over rate. Michael Klinger is most likely to lead the side.
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Betting
We don’t really know what to expect from the wicket at Alice Springs but I saw there has been a bit of rain around the night before the match so there may be a little more juice in it than is ideal. These two sides have bowling attacks who can exploit that so I fancy this might be a tough afternoon for the batsmen.
With that in mind I’m happy to take under 11.5 sixes here. In fairness neither side are packed with big hitters and the Strikers line up looks even lighter without Travis Head and it was pretty light with him. Neither of these attacks have shipped many sixes this season and I’m not convinced they will go for many here. I like the under.
Tips
WON – Back Under 11.5 sixes for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with William Hill
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