This shapes as intriguing match with potential top four implications on the line for both sides and at publish, the bookies cannot split them – $1.90 available for both the Thunder and the Strikers.
Alex Hales has proven that he is still one of the world’s most lethal short-form batsmen and he is again rated a $3.40 favourite to top score for the Thunder this afternoon ahead of Usman Khawaja, $3.60 and Callum Ferguson, $4.50.
Alex Carey was utterly enormous against the Brisbane Heat on Thursday night, hitting an impressive 101 off just 62 balls, and it probably comes as no surprise that he is the $3.25 favourite to top score for the Strikers again this afternoon.
I think that the bookies are on the money with the head-to-head pricing and I am going to stay away from it.
The table-topping Sixers can complete an ideal lead-up to this Big Bash Finals Series by beating the Hobart Hurricanes this evening, and betting suggests they will take beating – they are $1.80 favourites, with even money about the ‘Canes.
The Sixers have been the league’s benchmark since play resumed this summer and they are on track to defend last season’s championship. Their overall consistency means they have secured a favourable run in the finals and they need only continue on their season trajectory to make the decider.
The Hurricanes’ inconsistency has again proven to be their downfall in BBL10 – they have shown glimpses of a championship side, but have let themselves down for often than not.
I simply cannot tip against the Sixers in current touch.