Saturday, January 6th

Saturday, January 6th

Matthew Bliesner
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers (7:15pm AEDT)
Suggested Bets Below

Third and fourth are set to go toe to toe tonight as the Melbourne Stars host the Sydney Sixers at the prestigious Melbourne Cricket Ground.

We’re expecting an entertaining match where the Stars are looking to continue their remarkable form while the Sixers are looking to let out some steam after an unlucky Duckworth Lewis Stern loss against the undefeated Brisbane Heat.

Will the Melbourne Stars continue their form and add another win to the tally?

Can the Sixers redeem themselves after their loss to the Heat?

Who will shine for their respective sides?

My thoughts can be found below!

This will be the 21st matchup between the two and the 11th game at the MCG and not only does the Sixers have a record of 13-8 against Melbourne, but they’re also 6-4 at the MCG and have won 9 of their last 10 games against the Stars.

Who will the Stars rely on with the bat and ball?

Simple, Glenn Maxwell and Joel Paris.

Maxi has scored 20 or more runs in seven of his last eight games and with the average of 45 with the stick in the last five games, his form and presence will be a helpful hand for the Stars.

Joel Paris has been a great addition to the Stars bowling line-up this year.

The 31-year-old has claimed at least one wicket in five of his last six appearances for the Stars.

For the Sixers, James Vince has a great record against the Stars,

The International Batsmen has been the Top Match Runscorer in each of the last two games against the Stars and he’s also scored 30 or more runs in five of the six games against Melbourne.

For the Sixers bowlers, I can’t go past Sean Abbott on this one.

The veteran has stepped up for Sydney when they needed the help, taking 1 or more wickets in each of the last 17 resulted games.

Here is my selection for tonight’s matchup.

 

Same Game Multi:

  • Sixers to win
  • Vince 20+ Runs
  • Abbott 1+ Wickets
  • Maxwell 20+ Runs
  • Paris 1+ Wickets
Bet now: Stars vs Sixers

Friday, January 5th

Matthew Bliesner
Adelaide Strikers vs Perth Scorchers (7:15pm AEDT)
Suggested Bets Below

The highly-anticipated rematch is on the horizon as the Adelaide Strikers take on the in-form Perth Scorchers at Adelaide Oval in some quality cricket that can go either way.

Chris Lynn is seemingly at his best once again after some textbook knocks over the last two games.

When you hear Lynn walking out to the wicket while Narco by Blasterjaxx and Timmy Trumpet are playing, you know he’s in for a good innings.

Lynny is ticking along nicely in the competition, averaging 54.25 with the bat and he’s ready to help his side redeem themselves against the Scorchers.

Another Queenslander who I think can do well tonight is Cameron Boyce.

Boycey failed to get a wicket against Perth at Optus Stadium, however, the spinner with one of the best economy rates in the competition is ready to help his side tonight at home.

With an average economy rate of 7.4, Boyce is excited to perform for the Strikers fans once again this season.

Scorchers Captain Aaron Hardie has been thrown in the deep end with the captaincy, however the batting all-rounder has been playing remarkable cricket since getting the ‘c’ next to his name.

At the time of writing, Hardie is currently the third highest runscorer this season and with the best bowling attack in the big bash at his disposal, he’s set for another big innings against the Strikers this season.

Jason Behrendorff has been the leading wicket-taker and not to mention a clutch bowler for the Perth Scorchers all season.

The seasoned veteran is experienced whether he’s been bowling the first over or the last, he’s the danger man for the reigning champions.

With nine scalps to his name this season, The T20 international quick has been the man that Hardie has relied upon to deliver results and I think he can do just that.

Here are my suggested plays for tonight’s rematch!

 

Same Game Multi:

  • Scorcher to win
  • Chris Lynn 20+ Runs
  • Cameron Boyce 1+ Wicket
  • Aaron Hardie 20+ Runs
  • Jason Behrendorff 1+ Wicket
Bet now: Strikers vs Scorchers

Thursday, January 4th

Matthew Bliesner
Melbourne Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes (7:15pm AEDT)
Suggested Bets Below

Following day 2 of the New Year’s Test, we turn our focus to the Melbourne Renegades hosting the Hobart Hurricanes at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

It’s no secret that the Renegades were subpar against the Stars in their last outing, however I’ll be taking them to win tonight and here are the numbers behind it.

The Renegades have heavily relied on Jake Fraser-McGurk and Shaun Marsh but we’re yet to see what international Superstar Quinton De Kock has to offer.

Except for his last game, Fraser-McGurk has been on an absolute roll and has made Marvel Stadium his home.

The 21-year-old averages a phenomenal 62.5 with the bat at Marvel Stadium this season and he’s looking to continue that terrific form tonight.

Tom Rogers will be coming up against his former side tonight and I think he has all the more reason to put on a brilliant performance.

Rogers has claimed 6 wickets in the tournament so far and he’s capable of claiming the early breakthrough that derails his opponents’ innings.

Matthew Wade’s form this year has been up and down, and when you’re coming up against your old side, that dog in you will come out and that motivation will help him play well tonight.

In his last outing against the Gades, he scored 82 off just 50 deliveries, so another good performance appears to be on the cards.

Hurricanes skipper Nathan Ellis has been guiding the bowlers not only with his leadership, but he’s also been leading from the front foot with his bowling.

Ellis has claimed six scalps this season and he’s ready to lead his side once again.

Here is my play for tonight’s matchup!

Same Game Multi

  • Renegades to win
  • Wade 20+ runs
  • Fraser-McGurk 20+ runs
  • Tom Rogers 1+ wicket
  • Nathan Ellis 1+ wicket
Bet now: Renegades vs Hurricanes

Wednesday, January 3rd

Matthew Bliesner
Sydney Sixers vs Brisbane Heat (6:05pm AEDT)
Suggested Bets Below

New Year’s Day saw the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers get washed out at the Gabba, but fast forward 3 days and the two best teams in the competition this season will square up in what will be the game of the tournament.

Tom Curran is expected to return, however, it sounds like the international quick has had no centre-wicket practice.

With Curran coming back, the change of pace and delivery variation is something that the Sydney Sixers lacked while he was away.

Xavier Bartlett has been on a role this season and chips in when the heat are desperate for a wicket.

‘X’ is a dangerous bowler and it’s shown all season with the ball swinging both ways and carrying nicely to Sam Billings’ gloves whether the Kookaburra is brand new or 19 overs old.

James Vince is a player who’s flown under the radar for the Sixers this season.

Except for the 83 against the Melbourne Stars, the Englishman has scored 1, 5, 10 and 8 – so another textbook inning is on the horizon for Vince, and I think tonight is the night.

The Brisbane Heat has changed over the past couple of seasons since letting Chris Lynn go.

Long gone are the days when Lynn would get to 20 and everyone would say, “it’s all over” with his productivity replaced by a stacked batting line-up that can contribute all the way down to number eight.

But out of those players, who will I be taking?

Sam Billings has been the player leading from the front with the bat.

Billings has a rich history with the Sixers and when you don’t get retained by a team, there’s no better feeling than sending a simple message by smacking sixes around the park.

The English wicket-keeper has a good season with an admirable 26 batting average which in hindsight, isn’t a bad average for a keeper-batsmen.

He has all the hard work, dedication and motivation needed to help the Heat win this game.

Here are my suggested selections for tonight’s game.

 

Same Game Multi

  • Heat to win.
  • James Vince 20+ runs
  • Curran 1+ wicket
  • Xavier Bartlett 1+ Wicket
  • Sam Billings 20+ Runs
Bet now: Sixers vs Heat
Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers (9:15 pm AEDT)
Suggested Bets Below

To wrap up a doubleheader, we’re off to Optus Stadium where the Perth Scorchers take on the Adelaide Strikers in a top-notch matchup you don’t want to miss.

With the numbers in mind and a simulated Cricket 24 played last night, here’s what I’ve found.

For the 23rd time, we’ll be seeing the two go toe-to-toe and I’ll be taking the hometown heroes in the Perth Scorchers.

Perth have won seven of their last ten games against the Strikers in January games.

Scorchers captain Aaron Hardie has been in spectacular form averaging 91 with the bat this season, Hardie can lead the Scorchers to the game.

Andrew Tye has snagged five wickets in four games and with the consistent change-ups Tye has up his sleeve, he’s ready to hype up the Perth crowd and guide the bowling attack to victory.

Chris Lynn ended 2023 with a bang after scoring 83 not out, and geez was ‘Vintage Lynn’ shown on New Year’s Eve.

The all-time leading run scorer has got the momentum to fire tonight in Perth and I think he’ll star for the Strikers tonight.

Cameron Boyce stood and delivered after being the most economical bowler of the night with immaculate figures of 1/15 off 4 overs at 3.75 runs per over.

I’ll be backing Boycey once again to star for the Strikers tonight in Perth!

Here are my suggested picks for tonights game!

 

Same Game Multi

  • Scorchers to win
  • Aaron Hardie 20+ runs
  • AJ Tye 1+ wicket
  • Chris Lynn 20+ runs
  • Cameron Boyce 1+ wicket
Bet now: Scorchers vs Strikers

Tuesday, January 2nd

Matthew Bliesner
Melbourne Stars vs Melbourne Renegades (7:15pm AEDT)
Suggested Bets Below

The MCG will light up tonight as the Melbourne Stars host the Melbourne Renegades with the hopes of getting some bragging right against their rival from down the road.

The in form Stars have been on a roll this season and are looking to not only secure the fourth win in a row but also their 16th victory over the Gades in 25 matchups.

Stars captain Glenn Maxwell has shown a glimpse of ‘Vintage Maxi’ against the Strikers on New Year’s Eve, but can he back it up tonight?

With an average of 32 this season and with the game tonight against his former team, he has all the motivation he needs to continue with this form.

Shaun Marsh has been playing unbelievably well on his farewell tour and at 40 years old, he’s averaging a well-respected 56.5 and he’s ready to shine at the MCG once again.

Usama Mir has been the international spinner that the Stars needed in the 13th edition of the BBL.

The 28-year-old Pakistani leg spinner has snagged one or more wickets in 60% of his games this season.

Another bowler I’ve had my eye on for this game is Renegades vice-captain, Will Sutherland.

Sutherland has bagged one or more wickets in four of his last six games as well as a 7 wickets in the season, Sutherland is the man who will need to step up tonight if the Renegades have a chance to restrict the runs.

Here are my selections for tonight’s Melbourne derby.

 

Same Game Multi:

  • Stars to Win
  • Sutherland 1+ Wicket
  • Usama Mir 1+ Wicket
  • Glenn Maxwell 20+ Runs
  • Shaun Marsh 20+ Runs
Bet now: Hurricanes vs Thunder

Monday, January 1st

Matthew Bliesner
Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder (4 pm AEDT)
Suggested Bets Below

The Hobart Hurricanes will be hosting the Sydney Thunder at Blundstone Arena this Afternoon to kick off 2024 and boy, will this be a banger.

Two sides who have noticeably underperformed this season going toe-to-toe on a small field means one thing, plenty of sixes will be hit this arvo.

One player who I’m looking forward to watching is Ollie Davies.

Davies averages 29 with the bat against the hurricanes, however, he averages 45 at Blundstone Arena.

Sam Hain to my surprise hasn’t been playing his best cricket as of late.

This time last year, he was hitting runs left, right and centre for the Brisbane Heat and since making the move to the Canes, it’s been rather underwhelming.

Hain is due for a great performance and there’s no better way to start than on the first day of 2024.

Hurricanes skipper Nathan Ellis has been playing out of his shell since receiving the ‘c’ next to his name.

With four wickets to his name this season, it’s been disappointing to his standard however the Australian T20 quick has been very economical with an average of 8.2, his changeups will be key if the Canes want any chance of winning this Afternoon.

Daniel Sams has been in career-best form, from 4/2 in his final over against the Stars to 4/1 against the Heat in his final over, he’s been the key death bowler to the Thunder to stop them from chasing more runs than they should’ve.

But the problem for Sams is that there’s only so much he can do considering the batting of the Thunder has been disappointing, to say the least.

Sams currently has the BKT Golden Arm at the time of writing but will he have it at the end?

At the rate he’s going, his chances are good but today’s game will be interesting to see if he can bowl well on a smaller ground.

Here is my suggested bet for today’s game.

 

Same Game Multi

  • Hurricanes to win
  • Sam Hain 20+ runs
  • Ellis 1+ wicket
  • Davies 20+ runs
  • Daniel Sams 1+ Wicket
Bet now: Hurricanes vs Thunder
Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers (7:15pm AEDT)

Two of the best teams in the competition this season square up to wrap up New Year’s Day and this will be a game that could potentially be the game of the season.

What will the Brisbane Heat provide against the veteran experience of the Sydney Sixers?

Although Brisbane doesn’t have a great record against the Sixers, they’ve won two of the last three games, with the third game being washed out.

No Tom Curran once again tonight, however, we’ll be waiting to see how who will step up in replacement for him.

In my opinion, someone like Sean Abbott is the perfect candidate for that role.

The Diverse arsenal in pace and changeups is always helpful, particularly in a T20 setting.

Spencer Johnson has been on an absolute tear this season, creating the big moments and snagging wickets that have been helping the Heat get over the line.

The IPL Millionaire is a dangerous bowler, and it was shown on the 27th bowling to Alex Hales, who never really recovered after that and he was repeatedly backing away from the ball to avoid getting hit in the box again.

Moises Henriques has been a player who is yet to fire for the Sixers this season.

The Portugal-born New South Welshman has been an average starter to a season in his entire career, however, with the pressure of his teammates getting out around him, I think he will have a textbook innings.

The Brisbane Heat performance from 1-6 has been nothing short of sublime, so who do I think their star player will be tonight?

Sam Billings is the player I’ll be going with, tonight.

Billings has all the motivation, from being one of the leaders at the Heat to the Sixers not taking him in the BBL draft last year, he has all the hard work, dedication and motivation needed to help the Heat win this game.

Here are my suggested selections for tonight’s game.

 

Same Game Multi

  • Heat to win.
  • Henriques 20+ runs
  • Abbott 1+ wicket
  • Spencer Johnson 1+ Wicket
  • Sam Billings 20+ Runs
Bet now: Heat Vs Sixers

Sunday, December 31st

Matthew Bliesner
Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars (7:15 pm AEDT)
Suggested Bets Below

The traditional New Year’s Eve clash at Adelaide Oval is always something I look forward to every year, as the Adelaide Strikers will host the in-form Melbourne Stars, who are looking to make it three on the trot.

If you asked me last week who I’d be taking in this one, you’d hear me scream the Adelaide Strikers off the top of my lungs, but now, I’m leaning towards the Stars.

Beau Webster has been in consistent form for the stars, whether it’s with the ball or the bat, he’s always playing a role of some kind in every game he plays.

The 30-year-old has scored 98 runs in his three innings at an average of 32 along with four wickets with the ball, the all-rounder is looking to wrap up 2023 with a monster performance.

Joel Paris has shown Australia that even with his injury setbacks, he’s still a top-quality left-arm quick that’s an asset to any team he plays for.

Paris, who’s been a journeyman in the comp starting with the Scorchers, to the Canes and now to the Stars, the quality bowler brings championship experience to a side that’s fallen agonisingly short on multiple occasions.

For the Strikers, I can’t go past Matt Short on a shorter field than most grounds.

It’s not just because of his great name, it’s also due to his great form over the past 12 months.

Some of the many scores he’s had over the past 12 months include an 82 and a 55 in the opening two games of the big bash, 66 against South Africa and 73 in the Hundred, this is a batsman who’s seeing them like beach balls.

For the second time this season, I’ll be taking Cameron Boyce to star for the Strikers once again.

By far the most underrated spin bowler in the competition, he’s one of a kind in franchise cricket that any team would be lucky to have.

A respective economy rate like 7.53 shows that he can put plenty of pressure on the batsmen to play an unusual shot and snag a wicket or two.

Here are my suggested selections for tonight’s clash to send 2023 off with a bang!

 

Same Game Multi

  • Melbourne Stars to win
  • Webster 20+ Runs
  • Matt Short 20+
  • Paris 1+ Wicket
  • Boyce 1+ Wicket
Bet now: Sixers vs Stars

Saturday, December 30th

Matthew Bliesner
Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers (7:15 AEDT)
Suggested Bets Below

The Sydney Smash is kicking off a terrific long weekend of Big Bash Cricket where the Sydney Thunder host the Sydney Sixers at the Sydney Showground Stadium.

The Thunder last played on the 27th at the Gabba and before the power surge, I was expecting a cruisy victory for the Sydney, but the moment Bancroft and Davies signalled to the umpires that they were taking the surge, things went downhill.

On the other hand, the Sydney Sixers didn’t play much better in their last outing, losing to the Melbourne Stars who took out their first win that night.

I’ve crunched the number, analysed all the stats available, and here’s what I’ve come up with.

From a head-to-head standpoint, it doesn’t look pretty for the Thunder as the Sixers are up 16-7.

If I was Chris Green and I won the toss tonight, I’d be sending the Sixers into bat first due to the head-to-head record being 5-4 when they bat first, whereas the Sixers have won 11 of their last 14 games against the Thunder when the Magenta is batting second.

If there is a game that Daniel Hughes will star in, it’s this game right here.

Hughes averages a respectable 31.5 with the stick his season and 48.33 against the Thunder, which shows that when a derby turns up, the veteran steps up!

After a great knock against the Heat on the 27th at the Gabba, Cameron Bancroft is ready to show Australian selectors why he deserves to be the replacement for David Warner once he steps away from the test team.

Bancroft averages 43.75 this season and with the traditionally strong powerplays that Bancroft has been having, I think he’s ready to step up and guide the Thunder closer to victory.

Jackson Bird is currently the top wicket-taker for the Sixers this year with 6 with an average economy rate of 8.8 and he doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon, especially for a derby.

Zaman Khan has been a tremendous addition to the Sydney Thunder with the ball.

The International fast bowler has snagged 8 wickets for his franchise and with the Sydney Smash being new to Khan, he’s ready to represent the Thunder with the hopes of securing his team a much-needed win.

Here are my suggested bets for tonight’s Sydney Smash!

 

Same Game Multi:

  • Sixers to win
  • Daniel Hughes 20+ Runs
  • Cameron Bancroft 20+ Runs
  • Jackson Bird 1+ Wicket
  • Zaman Khan 1+ Wicket
Bet now: Sixers vs Stars

Friday, December 29th

Matthew Bliesner
Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers
Suggested Bets Below

For the 8th time in BBL history, the Melbourne Renegade will play host to the Adelaide Strikers at Marvel Stadium.

Although the Gades haven’t been in great form, their last game showed that they’re still a decent side and they’re just getting outplayed.

As much as I’m not a fan of Shaun Marsh, I must give credit where it’s due, he played unbelievably well for his first game back after an injury setback.

Marsh is someone, who at 40 years old, played like a patient batsman in his late 20s, picking the gaps left, right and centre.

Not to mention having an average of 59 with the bat to open your account is something you’d take every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

The Strikers have been playing good cricket; however, they’ve been outclassed by their opponents on every level.

Another veteran who’s staying composed in the top order is the all-time leading run scorer, Chris Lynn.

It’s no secret that Lynny’s had setbacks in his career with injury, however, he averages 25.5 with the stick along with a strike rate of 149.6, Lynn is ready to turn up the heat tonight.

How do I see this match playing out for the bowlers?

Cameron Boyce is a bowler I always enjoy watching, from First-grade cricket at Valley District Cricket Club, to his stints with Queensland and Tassie, he’s been a great edition for the Big Bash.

Boycey has an excellent economy rate in the BBL for a spinner with 7.53 and not to mention 95 wickets in 88 games, he’s a player who will guide the Strikers tonight.

Another bowler who I’ll be having a dabble on tonight is Tom Rogers.

Tom is yet another player who’s been a journeyman around the BBL from the Hurricanes to the Stars and now to the Renegades, he’s ready to star for the Gades this season.

My play on tonight game is below.

 

Same Game Multi

  • Renegades to win
  • Lynn 20+
  • Marsh 20+
  • Rogers 1+ Wicket
  • Boyce 1+ Wicket
Bet now: Sixers vs Stars

Thursday, December 28th

Matthew Bliesner
Hobart Hurricanes Vs Melbourne Stars
Suggested Bets Below

The Hobart Hurricanes are back at home to take on the Melbourne Stars in what will be a thrilling match.

Although the Stars have just come off their first win of the season, I like their chances tonight and here are the numbers behind it.

The numbers suggested that it’s dead even in head-to-head matchups at Blundstone Arena with eight games played and both sides winning four each.

However, the Stars have a 12-7 record against the Canes, and I’ll be taking them to win.

Looking at the numbers for the batsmen, I like the look of Beau Webster and Matthew Wade.

Beau Webster has shown some form in his last two games, scoring 59 and 35 with the bat and snagging a 4-Fa against the thunder on the 23rd if you don’t mind.

Webster averages 32.6 this season and I expect him to play well with the bat on junior cricket boundaries.

Matthew Wade is looking to lead by example tonight with the hopes of guiding his team to a win in front of his home fans.

The veteran hits more sixes than I’ve had hot dinners and with an average of 46.5 this season, he’s ready to entertain the crowd.

Usmana Mir and Paddy Dooley have been the star bowlers for their respective sides and the value play is there for both of them to take 1+ wicket on such a small ground.

Here’s my suggested play for tonight’s fixture!

 

Same Game Multi

  • Melbourne Stars to Win
  • Usmana Mir 1+ Wicket
  • Dooley 1+ Wicket
  • Wade 20+ Runs
  • Webster 20+ Runs
Bet now: Sixers vs Stars