The Stars can lock in a finals berth with a win at home over the Adelaide Strikers, whose season could be over with a defeat.
Head to Head
Melbourne Stars matches continue to follow a very simple trend.
When they win the toss and chase, they’ve won all five games. When they lose the toss and bat first, they’ve lost all three.
The Strikers will also want no part of batting first, having lost nine of their last 10 away games from that position.
They also have a poor record at the MCG, losing six straight matches at the venue.
There’s little separating these sides with the bat, particularly now that the Strikers have regained Alex Carey. The edge with the ball clearly sits with the Stars, however, who boast four bowlers inside the top nine wicket-takers this season.
That said, the Strikers have faced a tough schedule, with three of their last four matches coming against the top-two ranked Hurricanes and Scorchers. Although the Stars have been good this season, it’s undoubtedly a step down in class.
There’s enough experience in the Strikers’ batting to chase most totals, so backing the team batting second is the clear play.
Best Bet
Carey returned to the Big Bash in fine style against the Scorchers, blasting 71 runs. He’s in outstanding form with the bat and has cleared 25+ runs in 17 of his last 31 BBL innings.
Value Bet
It’s impossible not to keep riding the Sam Harper heater. The wicketkeeper is averaging 89 this season, clearing 25+ in five of his last seven matches. On current form, he’s well worth another half-century look, as well as consideration for Stars top batter, having top-scored in four of his last six against the Strikers.
Same Game Multi
Chasing Team / Carey & Harper 10+ Runs / Rauf & Siddle 1+ Wickets
