The Scorchers look well-placed for a win as they begin their title defence at home to the Sixers.
Best Bet
Backing the Scorchers at home is one of the BBL’s most reliable bets and that trend should continue here.
The defending champions have won 14 of their last 15 games at Optus Stadium, each of their last 12 as home favourites and their last four against the Sixers.
Perth again look a likely title contender, despite the loss of Mitch Marsh and Phil Salt. South African legend Faf du Plessis will join for the first seven games of the season while Cam Green will join post the Test series. The rest of their largely homegrown squad remains in tact.
The Sixers were ordinary in their opening match against the Strikers, who admittedly look a very good team (especially after bowling the Thunder out for 15!). Their batting particularly struggled against the pace and bounce of Henry Thornton and they’ll cop plenty of similar treatment in Perth from the likes of Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, and Tymal Mills.
With such a great record at Optus, the Scorchers have to be the tip.
Next Best
AJ Tye has a terrific record against the Sixers and at home.
The veteran has been the Scorchers’ top wicket-taker in four of their last five home matches and in each of his last five at home against the Sixers.
Coming off another terrific BBL season, where he took the equal second-most wickets of any player, Tye should start his season off with a bang.
Value Bet
Bancroft is in white-hot Shield form so it’s surprising to see him third in betting in this market.
The former Australian opener sits second for Shield runs this season, averaging 53, and has scored 20+ in five of his last six games at home.
Great value to top score and for Player of the Match at $13.
Same Game Multi
Scorchers H2H / C.Bancroft 20+ runs / A.Tye 2+ wickets
