Big Bash League (BBL05) Round 2 Betting Tips
The 2015 Big Bash League is off to a great start as the teams kick-started their quest for the BBL05 title. Sixes, wickets and excitement was all dished out to the fans in good measure as we now move to the Round 2. Let’s preview the matches in waiting.
Dec 20, 7:25 PM local: Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder at the MCG
Too early to talk of any momentum but the Stars come into this game after losing their opener to Adelaide Strikers, while the Thunder stormed across their city rivals Sydney Sixers. Which of these teams will continue their form?
As predicted earlier, the Stars bowling was flat and lacked the bite to keep the Strikers at bay. Except for James Faulkner and Michael Beer, the others were leaking runs. This could still prove to be their achilles heel. Batting too was all about flashes of brilliance with a string of 20s and just Marcus Stoinis going on to make a big score.
The Thunder, on the other hand, had no such problems as veterans Michael Hussey and Shane Watson starred for them. All pieces fell in place for Hussey who would once again anchor their team. They look too good a team to finish with the wooden spoon again – not this season!
Verdict: Back the Thunder to win – $2.50 at Sportsbet
Dec 21, 4:10 PM local: Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers at the WACA
Double defending champions Perth Scorchers will try to start their campaign in the right mode as the play their first match at home against the Strikers. This is one side with so much collective experience in T20 mode. Veterans like Michael Klinger, Adam Voges and Brag Hogg have played all over the world and provide the edge for the hosts with their experience.
The Strikers will be buoyed with their opening win spurred by Brad Hodge and Alex Ross with the bat. With the ball, Ben Laughlin and Adil Rashid provided vital starts masking the deficiencies in the field. Hodge will again shepherd the young line-up with Mahela Jayawardene for company.
Verdict: Strikers could spring a surprise – $2.35 at Sportsbet
Dec 22, 7:10 PM local: Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane Heat at Blundstone Arena
Hurricanes will be playing their second game in three days as they welcome the Heat to Blundstone Arena. The presence of stalwarts Kumar Sangakkara and Shaun Tait make them an impressive outfit but it is the assuredness of Ben Dunk that should be watched out for.
The Heat are in a transformation mode with considerable efforts in place to move up from the bottom place of last season. Daniel Vettori with his calm head in the dug-out could prove to be their best recruit, although Samuel Badree and Andrew Feketee would want to upstage with their performances on field.
Verdict: Heat to cause a big upset – $2.35 at William Hill
Dec 23, 7:10 PM local: Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers at Etihad Stadium
Who wants to face Chris Gayle and Aaron Finch in a T20 game? Most bowlers around the world would dread to do that but this is what lies in wait for the Sixers on Wednesday. Then of course is the small task of facing up to Dwayne Bravo and Xavier Doherty who are no less stalwarts of this format.
The Sixers started on the wrong footing in the opening game and will have known their second match status by this time. If they have lost their first two, then they will be desperate to avoid going 0-3. Nathan Lyon and Johan Botha give them control in the middle overs which could prove vital against the pyrotechnics of the Renegades. It is the form of their skipper Nic Maddinson which will be vital when they bat.
Verdict: Renegades will be the favorites for this and should win – $1.70 at Sportsbet
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