Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11

New year, same Hurricanes?

Hobart Hurricanes have been the standout side in BBL08. They have won four games out of four, overcoming a few challenges along the way, and are now well placed for a semi finals finish. However, a couple of talented sides are starting to find their feet, so the Hurricanes can’t start to take it a little easy.

One of the sides on the improve is Sydney Sixers. They are on a winning streak of two after an indifferent start to BBL08, headlined by a confidence-boosting win against Brisbane Heat on New Year’s Day. There is arguably no bigger challenge right now than playing the Hurricanes in Hobart, so can the Sixers go to another level?

Key to a Hobart Hurricanes win

Hobart Hurricanes’ batting was likely to hold them in good stead in BBL08, with their bowling a concern. However, the bowlers have been key in helping the Hurricanes sit pretty at the top of the table. Riley Meredith has been a shining light, along with the improved Clive Rose and versatile D’Arcy Short. James Faulkner has proven to be a good pickup so far, and will be key at the top along with Jofra Archer in targeting a Sixers’ top order that has largely struggled in BBL08.

Also, will Matthew Wade and D’Arcy Short continue their strong form at the top? The Hurricanes’ bowling has helped them win games, but there is little doubt that these two have been central to their excellent start. A key to victory will be another good start, followed by a strong middle order headlined by George Bailey and Ben McDermott, who are dangerous players.

ALSO READ: My 2018 Test XI of the year!

Key to a Sydney Sixers win

New Year, new Sydney Sixers. The top order finally put on a good show, which was crucial to victory against Brisbane Heat. Moises Henriques played his first substantial innings of BBL08, with good support from Justin Avendano. These two will be key again for the Sixers, along with the out of form Joe Denly and in form Jordan Silk, who both need to contribute against an attack that looks far more composed than the struggling Brisbane Heat.

Also, can the Sixers breakthrough Hobart Hurricanes’ in form top order? D’Arcy Short and Matthew Wade are second and fourth respectively on the BBL08 runscoring charts, and the Sixers need to limit the damage as much as possible. Steve O’Keefe will be key in the powerplay overs, along with Ben Dwarshuis, Tom Curran and Sean Abbott. Can the Sixers pick up a really good win away from home against the league leaders?

Possible Playing XIs

Hobart Hurricanes have named an unchanged squad. They will likely play the same XI that thrashed Perth Scorchers.

Hobart Hurricanes XI: 1. Matthew Wade (c & wk), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Alex Doolan, 4. Ben McDermott, 5. George Bailey, 6. Simon Milenko, 7. James Faulkner, 8. Johan Botha, 9. Clive Rose, 10. Jofra Archer, 11. Riley Meredith

Sydney Sixers have also named an unchanged squad, and will also likely stick with the same team that beat Brisbane Heat.

Sydney Sixers XI: 1. Joe Denly, 2. Justin Avendano, 3. Moises Henriques, 4. Daniel Hughes, 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Josh Phillipe (wk), 7. Tom Curran, 8. Sean Abbott, 9. Steve O’Keefe, 10. Ben Dwarshuis, 11. Ben Manenti

Dream11 Prediction

Two sides in good form. Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

• Matthew Wade is in fantastic form (fourth highest run scorer in BBL08).
• D’Arcy Short is proving to be a fine all-round option. He is my captain.
• Moises Henriques hit form, and Justin Avendano provided good support vs the Heat. He provides good value.
• James Faulkner and Tom Curran are good picks as the all-rounders.
• All four of Jofra Archer, Riley Meredith, Steve O’Keefe and Sean Abbott have been in the wickets in BBL08. Archer in particular is due a couple of wickets.

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-Head: Hobart Hurricanes 4, Sydney Sixers 4
• Hobart Hurricanes have won all four of their games this season.
• Sydney Sixers have won their last two matches.
• D’Arcy Short and Matthew Wade are both in the top four run getters in BBL08.

Prediction

This promises to be a cracking matchup.

Sydney Sixers have shown their quality in the last two matches, but Hobart Hurricanes at home might just get the job done. I’m expecting a close game, with the result to just go in favour of the Hurricanes.

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Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers Preview + Dream11