We know there will be a new name on the Big Bash League trophy this year, and we know that for the first time ever Melbourne will win the competition and on Sunday we will find out whether it will be the Renegades or the Stars when they clash at the Marvel Stadium.
Both teams came through tricky semi-final tests to set up the derby, the third time the two teams will have met in the campaign, so we should be in for a wonderful conclusion to the eighth year of Big Bash action.
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Melbourne Renegades
I had concerns over the Melbourne Renegades’ batting heading into their semi-final against the Sydney Sixers but they were dispelled with arguably the best batting display of the season so far, and if they have another one of them in them here then they are going to take a lot of stopping in this final it must be said. They might need one though in fairness.
Where they will be disappointed in their semi was with the ball. To be fair they ran into a couple of monsters opposing them with the bat but key men didn’t have their best day and they struggled as a result. You would hope their bigger players will bring out their best cricket for the final and if they do that then the men in red are entitled to really fancy their chances.
Melbourne Stars
Very few people at any stage of this tournament have given much credit to the Melbourne Stars or talked them up as potential champions. I earmarked them as such before a ball was hit and we saw why in the semi-final when they did absolutely everything you want a T20 team to do in a knockout match. They took early wickets, kept their foot on the throat of the Hobart Hurricanes and did the right things when needed with the bat.
Most of all what they did in the semi-final which is going to take them in really good stead in this final is they did not panic at any stage. They could have been forgiven for getting anxious when D’Arcy Short fancied teeing off or when a couple of quick wickets fell but they didn’t, they held their nerve admirably and if they do that again here, then with the technical talent they have in their side they are champions in waiting.
Team News
Not surprisingly after such a good win, the Melbourne Renegades have named an unchanged squad for this final with Mohammad Nabi still away on international duty. Cameron White will continue to deputise for him.
The Melbourne Stars have gone with one change for this final with Jackson Coleman coming in for Nick Larkin although it would be quite some surprise if they change their starting line up heading into this final.
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Betting
I’m already on the Melbourne Stars to win this final having backed them to win the tournament before a ball was bowled in it and I haven’t seen much that is going to make me change my mind thus far. If there is one concern it is that the Stars won both the regular season meetings and it isn’t too often a team wins three matches against the same team in the one tournament but I can’t be opposing the Green Machine on that score.
I’ll finish the season off with a small bet on Marcus Stoinis to be the man of the match though. In the two matches against the Renegades so far he has 2/26 and 78* in the first one and 3/19 and 70* in the second so he clearly loves playing against the city rivals. He is starting to show a real maturity at the top of the order and is a key member of the bowling unit. He may only be 6/1 to be the man of the match but his credentials and importance to the team give him every chance of landing it.
Tips
Back M.Stoinis Man of the Match for a 1/10 stake at 7.00 with Coral
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