Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Renegades Preview Dream11

Remember BBL08?

You may have forgotten, but the tournament is still in progress after a few days off. A potentially excellent game is in-store with two of the top three sides going head-to-head, and in a tournament that needs a strong finish, this game can set the tone.

Hobart Hurricanes have hit a bit of a lean patch, losing two of their past three matches. The two defeats have come from an inability to defend totals in the region of 170, worryingly thrashed against Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers respectively. With the tournament now in its business end, the Hurricanes can ill-afford another disappointing performance with momentum key at this stage of the season.

Melbourne Renegades, on the other hand, are on a good run of wins. Their batting still remains a concern, but their bowlers have been excellent in delivering victory to have them sitting in third position. Against a side that prides itself on its batting, an interesting battle awaits between the Renegades’ bowlers and Hurricanes’ batsmen. Will the Renegades beat the Hurricanes for the second time this season?

Key to a Hobart Hurricanes win

Significant onus is on the Hurricanes bowlers after a couple of underwhelming outings in recent times. James Faulkner, their leading wicket taker, will be missing from this one for injury precaution reasons, putting more of the spotlight on Jofra Archer who has only threatened to hit his best form in BBL08. The return of Riley Meredith, though, is a boost for the Hurricanes, who needs to partner well with Archer to make inroads into a Renegades top order that has shown tendencies to lose quick wickets in BBL08. Can the seamers set things up nicely for the spinners to come in and build pressure on the Renegades?

Also, can the top order deliver against a bogey side? The Hurricanes’ top three were out in quick time in their previous match against the Renegades, and with the top order still in excellent form, a strong powerplay is crucial. Of course, D’Arcy Short and Matthew Wade will be vital up top, but also the likes of Ben McDermott and George Bailey, with one of them needing to be at the crease in the final overs to enable a much stronger finish than in the Hurricanes’ last match against the Strikers.

Key to a Melbourne Renegades win

Can the Renegades’ batting deliver? Marcus Harris returns after a poor second Test against Sri Lanka, and he and Aaron Finch will be key in turning up the heat on a Hurricanes attack that has been under-par in recent matches. The absence of James Faulkner is something the Renegades can take advantage of, and with Finch in particular threatening to find top gear, tonight is a good night to deliver with a top two spot in reach. Despite it being a difficult pitch against the Thunder last game, the Renegades’ batting was off-colour. Can they set a strong platform for the likes of Daniel Christian, Mohammad Nabi and last-game hero Cameron Boyce to launch?

Also, there is plenty of excitement regarding the Renegades’ attack, and rightly so. After dismantling Perth Scorchers for 79, they swept aside Sydney Thunder in a crunch game, with anyone who steps up to the bowling crease capable of taking wickets. The likes of Kane Richardson, Chris Tremain and Mohammad Nabi will be crucial in the powerplay overs against the Hurricanes’ strong opening pair, and coming out on top in this period can go a long way to victory. With the likes of Daniel Christian, Harry Gurney and Cameron Boyce to follow, the Renegades will believe they have the resources to pick up regular wickets. Will it be their night?

Possible Playing 11

As mentioned, James Faulkner is out as a precaution to get his knee right for the finals. Afghanistan teenager Qais Ahmad is in the squad, and could play. Also, Alex Doolan could be included if the Hurricanes feel they need more batting cover.

Hobart Hurricanes Possible Playing 11: 1. Matthew Wade (c & wk), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Caleb Jewell, 4. Ben McDermott, 5. George Bailey, 6. Simon Milenko, 7. Jofra Archer, 8. David Moody, 9. Clive Rose, 10. Qais Ahmad/Tom Rogers, 11. Riley Meredith

Marcus Harris returns and should slot in as opener alongside Aaron Finch. Also, Jack Wildermuth could come in for Beau Webster, who has been left out of the squad.

Melbourne Renegades Possible Playing 11: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. Marcus Harris, 3. Sam Harper (wk), 4. Tom Cooper, 5. Mohammad Nabi, 6. Daniel Christian, 7. Jack Wildermuth, 8. Cameron Boyce, 9. Kane Richardson, 10. Chris Tremain, 11. Harry Gurney

Dream11 Prediction

• Key exclusion: D’Arcy Short. He has scored of 18, 34 and 2 vs Melbourne Renegades. It is a side he has struggled against.

Stats and Facts

• Hobart Hurricanes sponsor Tassal has pledged a $1,000 contribution for every six hit throughout the match. This is to raise money for the Tasmanian Bush Fire Appeal as the state has been affected in recent times.
• Melbourne Renegades have won six of the last seven matches against Hobart Hurricanes.
• Ben McDermott has a century and fifty vs Renegades.
• Kane Richardson has the most wickets in BBL08 with 22.

Match Prediction

Melbourne Renegades have the wood over Hobart Hurricanes, as their previous meeting showed.

I predict the Renegades will win on the back of a solid bowling effort, and continue their fine record against the Hurricanes.

Thanks for reading!

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Renegades Preview Dream11