Big Bash League (BBL07) Final Betting Tips
during the Big Bash League match between the Brisbane Heat and the Hobart Hurricanes at The Gabba on January 10, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia.
After a season of excellent league action and thrilling semis action, we are at the door steps of finding out the BBL07 Champion. Who will be the first among equals to lift the Big Bash title? The action between the Adelaide Strikers and the Hobart Hurricanes is scheduled at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday, February 4th in the grand finale of BBL07.
Route to the final
The Strikers had to overcome a tough fight from the Melbourne Renegades to book their place. It was a slugfest that saw the Strikers hold their nerve to defend 178 in the final over. The return of Travis Head (85* from 57 balls) from the national squad helped them in packing the right punches.
The Hurricanes breezed through their semis with a 71-run win over defending champions Perth Scorchers. Matthew Wade (71 from 45 balls) gave them a perfect start that stunned the Scorchers into submission, carrying them into the final.
Squad changes
The Strikers will be relieved after Cricket Australia (CA) released their top-scorer Alex Carey (425 runs, Avg. 53.12, SR 143.09) who is with the national squad. With Head (330 runs, Avg. 47.14, SR 130.95) also available for the match, the Strikers are obviously elated.
For the Hurricanes too, there was a pleasant news from CA as the tournament’s top-scorer D’Arcy Short (504 runs, Avg. 56, SR 147.80) has been cleared to play on Sunday. Ben McDermott (316 runs) and Wade (251 runs) will continue to be key.
Key players
The calmness with which he delivered the all-important final over in the semis was a testament to how huge Ben Laughlin (16 wickets) is, for the Strikers. With Rashid Khan cornering all the attention, the versatile pacer is happy to play the second fiddle and lead them at key moments.
The stock of Jofra Archer has risen so much that he has become a hit with every T20 league in the world. With 15 wickets at an economy of 7.62 and numerous nerveless performances, the flamboyant quick is all set to make a final dash.
Stats
The last four encounters between these sides have seen the sides splitting their wins, alternately.
The Strikers have a 4-1 record at the Adelaide Oval over the Hurricanes, with their only loss coming in 2011 (BBL01).
Short (Hurricanes) and Carey (Strikers) are the top two scorers in the league this season. Head (Strikers) is in fourth while McDermott (Hurricanes) is in sixth position.
The Strikers have four bowlers in the top-ten wicket takers – Khan, Laughlin, Michael Neser, and Billy Stanlake. The Strikers have just one in Archer.
Picks
The return of Head spurred the Strikers in the semis. Will the return of Carey lead them in the final? The Hurricanes looked in cracking form, though, and should continue their march. Back the Hurricanes to win at odds of $2 (William Hill).
TIP: Hurricanes to win – $2 at William Hill
The return of Carey will mean the combination of Carey-Weatherald at the top for the Strikers. Back the Strikers to have the best opening partnership at odds of $2 (Sportsbet).
TIP: Strikers to have highest opening partnership – $2 at Sportsbet
How about Wade’s aggression? The pugnacious ‘keeper may continue to pack a punch with his maximums. Back him to score at least a six at odds of $2.20 (Ladbrokes).
