The Strikers managed to get closer to the ever advancing pack with a win over Brisbane Heat last time out, but they still remain bottom of the pile.
The victory provided a reminder of the talent in their ranks – Rashid Khan, in his last appearance of the BBL this year, claimed a remarkable 6/17 from his four overs – an astonishing return for one of the best spin bowlers of his generation.
One could argue they are in a false position – they have suffered a number of close defeats, including an agonising 2-run loss to the Renegades at the start of the campaign – a result that really set the tone for the rest of the season. But in reality, the big players haven’t stepped up to the plate enough times to make them realistic challengers.
With Khan out of the side, maybe take a cheeky punt on Matt Short to take centre-stage – the 26 year-old from Ballarat, Australia, opened the batting and the bowling for his side – scoring 27 from 19 balls and taking 2 for 13 from three overs. A speculative Man Of The Match punt returns 12.0 with Betway.
Keep reading below for more Adelaide Strikers vs Perth Scorchersbetting predictions.
Strikers Team News
As mentioned above, Rashid Khan has played his last game for the Strikers in this tournament – the spinner is leading the charge in Afghanistan’s tour of the Netherlands.
Matt Renshaw could also miss out – he was absent for the victory over the Brisbane Heat after testing positive for Covid-19.
Player to Watch: Thomas Kelly
It was a short and sharp innings from Thomas Kelly in the victory over the Heat – but there was enough there to suggest real promise for his future in this competition.
The young Aussie hit 24 from 16 balls at a strike rate of 150 – including one massive six!
He is an exciting talent and one to keep an eye on for the future – if not this match against the Scorchers!
Strikers’ Likely XI
Matt Short, Jake Weatherald, Harry Nielsen (wk), Jonathan Wells, Daniel Drew, Liam Scott, Thomas Kelly, George Garton, Daniel Worrall, Wes Agar, and Peter Siddle.
Only two defeats from 12 matches gives you a sense of just how dominant the Scorchers have been in Big Bash League 11! They are searching for their third straight win here.
Runners-up last year, it’s as though they have a renewed vigour to prove some onlookers wrong – they are succeeding in their mission and then some.
Perhaps the most exciting element of the Scorchers is their bowling attack! Brimming with experienced pacers and strangling spinners, there is a perfect balance between offence and defence in the field.
Scorchers Team News
Jason Behrendorff returned to action in the game against the Melbourne Stars after a period of isolation from his close with Colin Munro – who remains sidelined after a positive Covid-19 test.
Nick Hobson came in for Colin Munro in the last game, and performed well – hitting 46 from 36 balls to help his side set a challenging 196/3.
Player to Watch: Nick Hobson
A last-minute call-up to the victory over the Stars, it was a highly impressive performance from Hobson, who set the tone for a big first innings score.
It was only his sixth appearance in the tournament, and he last appeared back in 2019. It will be interesting to see how he gets on again!
Scorchers’ Likely XI
Cameron Bancroft (wk), Nick Hobson, Laurie Evans, Ashton Turner, Kurtis Patterson, Aaron Hardie, Matthew Kelly, Ashton Agar, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Hatzoglou.
Venue & conditions
The Adelaide Oval last hosted a game a week ago in what was a low-scoring stroll in the park for the Strikers.
I think it could be another struggle for batsman on this pitch, particularly given the strength of each bowling roster.
There are scattered showers around in Adelaide on Thursday, but it should stay clear for long enough to a game in.
