It’s sudden death for the Hurricanes and the Stars on Wednesday night in Hobart, with the winner advancing one step closer to a place in the BBL Final.
Head to Head
Sticking with the chasing team is again the preferred strategy here, especially with rain forecast.
The chasing team has won 27 of 39 completed regular season games in BBL 15. When the Stars have won the bat flip and chased, they’ve won every match, while the Hurricanes have also won nine of their last 11 when batting second.
The threat of rain only strengthens the case for chasing, with teams better able to pace their innings and manage potential DLS scenarios.
The Stars have had the wood over the Hurricanes historically, holding a 15-8 head-to-head record including their only meeting this season at the MCG, which they won comfortably. However, the defending champions have won 10 of their last 12 matches at home.
In a major blow for the home side, captain Nathan Ellis will miss this match through injury, to be replaced by Jackson Bird. The Stars will go in unchanged.
The bat flip has been a deciding factor in countless matches this season and once again shapes as the key separator between these two high-quality sides.
Best Bet
Harper has clearly been the Stars’ standout batter this season, scoring 371 runs at an average above 60. He’s done plenty of damage away from home too, clearing 30+ runs in four of his last five road matches.
Value Bet
Webster has only had one innings this season but made it count with a classy 51, his second fifty in his last three Big Bash knocks. He also smashed an unbeaten 71 in his only Ashes innings in Sydney, showing he’s coming in red hot.
Same Game Multi
Chasing Team / Harper & Webster 20+ Runs / Meredith & Rauf 1+ Wicket
