Saturday’s Big Bash double-header kicks off at the SCG with a blockbuster clash between the competition’s two historically strongest teams in the Sixers and the Scorchers.
Head to Head
It’s surprising to see the Sixers as outsiders here given their excellent record at the SCG, Steve Smith’s return and the Scorchers’ indifferent form.
The Sixers are just awesome at home, winning 25 of their last 30, and their last four against the Scorchers. They’ve won all three of their SCG matches this year.
The home side will lose James Vince but regain Steve Smith, who has dominated in his infrequent appearances at this level. In his five innings in BBL 12, he averaged 86.5 with two tons and one fifty. In his two appearances last season, he scored a 61 and a duck.
The Scorchers haven’t been their usual dominant selves in BBL 14, now sitting at 3-4 after back-to-back losses, particularly struggling with the bat. While tournament leading run-scorer Cooper Connolly has been exceptional, Hardie, Turner and big name recruit Finn Allen have underperformed. They’ll miss both Josh Inglis and Mitch Marsh for this match too.
It’s hard to pick against the Sixers here; however, tread carefully if the Scorchers chase, as teams batting second have won 19 of 25 matches this season.
Best Bet
We’ll keep riding Connolly’s heater, with the young gun passing 25 runs in eight of his last ten knocks. His only appearance against the Sixers yielded at 37*.
Value Bet
As mentioned above, the former Australian captain’s record at this level is unparalleled. He’s scored 50s in four of his last six BBL matches and tons in two of his last four home matches.
Same Game Multi
Sixers H2H / Smith & Connolly 10+ Runs / Abbott 1+ Wickets
