The Perth Scorchers will be desperate to make it back to back BBL Finals as they take on the Hobart Hurricanes. Victory for the Scorchers will mean they will take on the winner of the Strikers v Renegades in front of their home fans at Optus Stadium.
The Scorchers are the most successful franchise in the history of the BBL winning three titles and finishing runners-up on two occasions. With Aston Agar on international duty, the Scorchers will enter the clash with an all-pace attack led by Mitchell Johnson.
Jofra Archer remains a key man for the Hurricanes with 15 wickets this season. Simon Milenko has been impressive for the Hurricanes striking at 176.79. The last time these two sides met Milenko hit 66 off 37 balls.
Win-Draw-Win
The Scorchers have been in good form this season only dropping two games on the road to the Heat and the Thunder. The Scorchers have changed tactics this season and have opted to chase down totals with considerable success.
The Hurricanes are in a three-game slump heading into the finals, including a five-wicket loss to the Scorchers in Perth. The Hurricanes will rely on the clean hitting of their veterans George Bailey, Dan Christian and Matthew Wade for a competitive total. The pitch at the new Optus Stadium offered something for both bat and ball in the ODI. This will be the first BBL fixture at the new ground.
The Marsh brothers will come into the Scorchers line-up, that’s packed with international talent. It’s hard to bet against the Scorchers in Perth and they look good to host another decider.
Tip: Back Scorchers to win ($1.60)
Runscorer Markets
Perth Scorchers
Mitchell Marsh built a case for an international recall off the back of his stunning domestic form. Marsh was unlucky to fall to a freak catch to Moen Ali in the ODI at Optus Oval. Marsh has been on the verge of a big score after getting starts in each of the ODIs. The younger Marsh brother is good value at $4.50 to put together a big innings against the Hurricanes.
His brother Shaun Marsh ($3.50), sits at the top of the line on the back of some strong form for WA. Shaun Marsh has proven to be a consistent performer in the past at domestic level and held the BBL run-scoring record until D’Arcy Short’s golden run of form this season.
Tip: Back Mitchell Marsh to be the Scorchers top run scorer ($4.50)
Hobart Hurricanes
Tim Paine ($3.50) slots back into the Hurricanes top order for D’Arcy Short. Paine has been composed with the bat in his return to international cricket. The Aussie gloveman took Australia to within 12-runs of victory in his last outing in Perth.
George Baily has underperformed in this edition of the BBL. The Hurricanes skipper sits near the top of the line at $4. A proven T20 performer, Bailey was able to contribute 37 off 33 balls the last time these two sides clashed at the Furnace.
Tip: Back Tim Paine to be the Hurricanes top run scorer ($3.50)