The Strikers are the clear value in Friday night’s clash with the Thunder in Sydney.
Best Bet
Both the Thunder and Strikers were winners in their opening BBL matches but the boys in blue were far more impressive.
Adelaide looked a legitimate title contender in their 51-run win over Sixers. The change of environment has rejuvenated Chris Lynn and Adam Hose appears a valuable middle order inclusion. Rashid Khan was at his tormenting best, taking 3/21, while Henry Thornton is poised for breakout season after taking four wickets.
The Thunder just scraped past a depleted Melbourne Stars team on the final ball despite Joe Burns retiring hurt with a hamstring injury and a covid-affected Marcus Stoinis going out for a golden duck and not bowling at all. It was hardly a performance to be excited about.
The Strikers have won their last six games as underdogs and are the bet here.
Next Best
Matt Short was in ominous form against the Sixers, belting 84 from 53 in a Player of the Match performance.
Coming off scoring the third-most runs last season, he has now scored 20+ runs in six of his last seven BBL innings and appears set for another monster season.
He’s worth another play for most Strikers runs and Player of the Match as well.
Value Bet
Betting against Rashid Khan is fraught with danger but Peter Siddle has a ridiculous record in this match-up.
Sids has taken the most team wickets in seven of his last eight games against the Thunder, taking 19 wickets in 12 games at just 6.81 runs per over.
While the veteran didn’t take a wicket in the opening match, he bowled brilliantly, conceding just 20 runs from his four overs. It’s only a matter of time until the poles follow.
Same Game Multi
Strikers H2H / M.Short 20+ runs / P.Siddle 2+ wickets
