A potentially vital match for both sides awaits the Sydney Thunder and Hobart Hurricanes on Saturday evening.
The free-falling Thunder have now lost three matches in succession and while they remain fourth in overall standings, they simply need to win if they are any chance of making it into the finals. To add insult to injury, all-rounder Chris Green has been banned from bowling after being reported for an illegal action, and they will need to find an appropriate replacement for four overs each match.
The Hurricanes have been anything but consistent, but under the right conditions they have shown glimpses of brilliance and I think that they will get that in the west of Sydney. Happy to take them at just under even money.
An intriguing match is slated for the nation’s west later in the night and vital points are on the line between the Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat.
The Scorchers have been one of the more disappointing sides of BBL 9 and have won only three of their seven matches so far. One of those did come over the Heat on the road, however and they should only be more potent in front of their parochial home crowd.
The Heat have bounced back into form recently and have fought into the playoffs picture after a slow start. Captain Chris Lynn remains the key to their success, but now with the added benefit of the legendary A.B. De Villiers in tow.