The Hurricanes look well-placed to secure their first Big Bash title when they host the Thunder in the BBL 14 Decider on Monday night.
Head to Head
This is very short for a favourite in a T20 between supposedly the competition’s two best teams but it’s completely justified in this case.
The ‘Canes have clearly been the best team this season, finishing with a 7-2 record, and especially good at home, now winning their last six matches at Bellerive.
It’s been a very even performance by the purple team, with three batters in the top 15 run scorers and six inside the top 40. By contrast, the Thunder have just two batters in the top 30.
The visitors have done a magnificent job to make the decider after struggling with availability throughout the season, especially with their batting. They lost both Daniel Sams and Cam Bancroft in a sickening collision early on, Jason Sangha has played just two games and Sam Konstas has mostly been on national duty.
The Thunder’s record over the Hurricanes is poor too, losing four of the last five overall and five of their last six at Bellerive.
Back the Hurricanes to win their first title.
Best Bet
The gap between these two teams in the power stakes is enormous. The Hurricanes are ranked second for sixes this season with 71 while the Thunder are dead last with 44. The home side have two batters in the top five for sixes scored this season (Owen and David) and have hit more sixes in their last six at Bellerive.
Value Bet
The ‘Canes have been tough to bet all season as they are just so even but Meredith looks the standout play here to get a couple of poles. He loves playing the Thunder, taking 2+ wickets in four of his last five games against them, and in his last three games at home. He’s also taken the most wickets for his team in their last three at home.
The big-hitting opener has been smacking them all over the park lately, hitting 3+ maximums in three straight innings.
Same Game Multi
Hurricanes Win / McDermott & Owen 10+ Runs / Ellis & Meredith 1+ Wicket