The Sixers kick off their BBL 14 campaign against the new-look Renegades at the SCG on Monday night.
Head to Head
The Sixers have simply owned the Renegades in recent years.
The pink team have won eight straight against the ‘Gades, including five of the last six at the SCG. Their record at the SCG is also excellent, winning 23 of the last 28 at the venue.
The perennially contending Sixers have made minimal changes to their strong squad, other than replacing retired spinner Steve O’Keefe with West Indian star Akeal Hosein.
The Renegades have completed a full-blown clean-out, and now boast a hugely powerful top six including Jake Fraser-McGurk and recruits Josh Brown (Heat), Tim Seifert (New Zealand), Laurie Evans (Scorchers) and Jacob Bethell (England), who will miss the first match.
It may take that line-up some time to gel, however, and coming up against the settled Sixers on their home deck looks too tough a first up assignment.
Best Best
The combination of Fraser-McGurk and Brown will be box office but the two opening sluggers will be inconsistent. In contrast, the likely opening Sixers duo James Vince and Josh Philippe are far more experienced and far more patient, which should lead to a steady start for the home team.
Value Bet
The experienced Philippe has a great record against the Renegades, averaging 37 from 12 games – his best return against any BBL opponent. He’s scored 50s in three of his last four home games against this opponent.
Same Game Multi
Sixers H2H / Sixers Highest Opening Partnership / Abbott & Zampa 1+ Wicket
