The second semi-final of the Big Bash League season takes place on Friday when the Adelaide Strikers host the Melbourne Renegades at the Adelaide Oval. After seeing Hobart Hurricanes win the first semi on Thursday both sides know if they make the final they will host it.
That is a brilliant incentive for both teams but a place in their first final is much more important and it will be interesting to see which one stands up strongest to take the chance that is in front of them.
Adelaide Strikers
Only two sides have beaten the Adelaide Strikers this season and both competed in the other semi-final so the Strikers have been in decent form. The concern is the last two times they looked good in the regular season they completely melted in the semi-final and they will need to ensure that lightning doesn’t strike for a third time.
The positive that the Strikers have going into this match is they knew they were hosting this game a while ago and they were able to try out the necessary combinations to deal with the absences that they have for this game. I thought at the time that was shrewd thinking and it will be interesting to see what difference it has on the game.
Melbourne Renegades
The Renegades could only truly confirm their semi-final spot on the final day of the regular season but they have looked like making it for much of the campaign. They had a mini wobble around the time the international squads changed but two emphatic batting performances look to have them nicely tuned up for this match.
If there is a slight concern for them going into the semi-final it is that their bowling has just begun to leak a few runs more than they would consider ideal but they have plenty of experience and class in their ranks. They also have a number of players who have won T20 leagues around the world and if this match is tight that could be invaluable.
Team News
There were fears that Adelaide Strikers would be decimated by international call ups but in the end they only have to do without two players in Billy Stanlake and Alex Carey. Captain Travis Head and overseas star Rashid Khan are both available.
Melbourne Renegades get Cameron White back for this match but they will be without Kane Richardson who is now on international duty. Aaron Finch remains with Australia too. There is no place in the squad for Brad Hodge or Brad Hogg.
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Betting
I was favouring the Melbourne Renegades when the early team news broke but Adelaide Strikers having Head and Rashid Khan available makes me side with them in this semi-final. I think the Head inclusion is particularly important especially as England have played him into form.
There doesn’t look to be a whole lot between these two sides in fairness but I’m a little concerned that not many of the Renegades batsmen have had significant time in the middle recently. In a match where the difference between the two teams could be miniscule that could be enough to decide it. I’ll take the home side.
Tips
WON – Back Adelaide Strikers to beat Melbourne Renegades for a 4/10 stake at 1.95 with BetVictor
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