Big Bash Match Previews & Tips – 26th & 27th December

The first match of tonight’s double header will see the Sydney Thunder play the Melbourne Renegades in Canberra.

The Thunder entered the tournament as rank outsiders but have been more than competitive in their games so far.

I have previously talked about one of their big strengths on paper being the quality at the top of their batting order. Well that quality (Hales & Khawaja), is yet to fire and yet they still find themselves with a positive win loss ratio after three games.

Talented English batsman Sam Billings is reportedly also set to play his first game of this years campaign tonight which will further strengthen the Thunder batting.

The Renegades won their first game but have lost the two subsequent ones. They had one to forget against the Sixers but put up a much better fight against the Renegades.

I don’t have a strong opinion here in the head to head market so looking at alternative options. A small play on the Australian white ball captain Aaron Finch to land his first blow of the tournament and collect man of the match.

Last years grand finalists and two of the favourites to win this years BBL final clash in the second of tonight’s matches.

Both teams will be happy with their start to the tournament.

The Stars are yet to be beaten and are looking very ominous with both bat and ball.  Maxwell and Stoinis have made big scores of note thus far for Melbourne.  However they have two West Indian’s in Nicholas Poran and Andre Fletcher who are yet to impact which is a scary thought for opposition teams.  Look out when they do!

Last years champions, the Sixers, know how to win and were able to find a way against the Strikers mainly thanks to good hitting from veteran Dan Christian but I am not sure they have the quality of the Stars.

Whilst there are reports that Marcus Stoinis will miss tonights game I am still happy to back the Stars here.  They have more firepower than the Sixers and if they bring their best will be winning this game.

I am officially declaring panic stations at the Brisbane Heat.  They are winless and lose their main asset, captain Chris Lynn, for this game.  He is out injured.

The Hurricanes on the other hand are building nicely.  They have a quality line up particularly with the bat and will go in as big favourites here.

Normally I am adverse to taking short odds in the T20 format but as Hobart flourish at the top of the table and the Heat languish at the bottom I think there is still some value in the $1.57 on offer.

Hobart Hurricanes to win.

Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades – .5 Units | Aaron Finch Man of the match @ $8

Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars – 1.5 Units | Melbourne Stars @ $1.79

Brisbane Heat v Hobart Hurricanes – 2.5 Units | Hobart Hurricanes @ $1.57

Overall: – 1.43 Units

*Please note the maximum outlay on a single outcome is 2.5 units