Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

Melbourne Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview + Dream11

Remember when these two sides were both undefeated in BBL08? It seems like an age ago, given the form of both sides since their respective second matches.

Melbourne Renegades have seemingly fallen off the face of the earth. Two excellent wins against tournament favourites Scorchers and Strikers has been followed up with three disappointing defeats. Skipper Aaron Finch returns in what is a big boost for the struggling batting lineup, and he will have to lead his side very well against a side on top of its game.

Hobart Hurricanes are still undefeated in BBL08, and they are looking a really good side. Challenging conditions await them at Marvel Stadium, with the sluggish pitch accounting for many an opposition in the past. Their spinners have been good in recent matches, and their batsmen will need to showcase their versatility in conditions different to Tasmania. On paper and on form, the Hurricanes should win easily, but conditions could dictate otherwise.

Key to a Melbourne Renegades win

The Renegades have struggled badly for batting fluency in their three defeats. The likes of Cameron White and Tom Cooper have not delivered the kind of results expected of their experience, and it has placed too much pressure on the all-rounders to deliver. The return of Aaron Finch can be the boost the Renegades need to step up against an in-form Hurricanes attack that has a good blend of pace and spin right now.

Also, can the Renegades bowlers get the better of the Hurricanes’ firing top order? Kane Richardson and Usman Khan Shinwari have showed excellent form in Melbourne this season, and will be crucial to getting the better of the Hurricanes’ top order. Jack Wildermuth, Cameron Boyce, Mohammad Nabi and Daniel Christian represents a good attack for these conditions, and will be tasked with keeping the pressure on the Hurricanes right throughout the innings.

Key to a Hobart Hurricanes win

D’Arcy Short and Matthew Wade have had excellent tournaments to date, and have been backed up well by Ben McDermott and George Bailey. Each of these four players could count themselves unlucky not to be in Australia’s ODI squad, and might have further points to prove as they can deliver the side their sixth straight win in BBL08. How they handle the slower conditions at Marvel Stadium will be crucial to the result.

Also, Johan Botha was superb against the Sixers last game, and will be key again at Marvel Stadium. D’Arcy Short and Clive Rose can also be effective with pace off the ball, as well as James Faulkner who continues to be in the wickets. With Jofra Archer and Riley Meredith providing variety to this Hurricanes’ attack, can they scythe through a Renegades lineup struggling badly for partnerships and good scoring rates?

Predicted Playing XIs

Aaron Finch returns to the Renegades squad, and will likely replace Mackenzie Harvey.

Melbourne Renegades XI: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. Sam Harper (wk), 3. Cameron White, 4. Tom Cooper, 5. Beau Webster, 6. Mohammad Nabi, 7. Daniel Christian, 8. Jack Wildermuth, 9. Cameron Boyce, 10. Kane Richardson, 11. Usman Khan Shinwari

Hobart Hurricanes have named an unchanged 13-man squad for this clash.

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. Jofra Archer, 10. Clive Rose, 11. Riley Meredith

Dream11 Prediction

Not the best of days yesterday. Below is my Dream11 Prediction for this clash, with a few pointers.

• On a slow Marvel Stadium track, going with one of D’Arcy Short or Matthew Wade is a safe bet. D’Arcy Short gets the nod thanks to his spin.
• Aaron Finch returns, and while he has struggled for form in Tests, his BBL record can’t be ignored.
• James Faulkner and Daniel Christian will be difficult to get away with their effective changes of pace.
• Kane Richardson bowls well at Marvel Stadium, and Jofra Archer will target a shaky Melbourne Renegades lineup.

Stats and Facts

• Melbourne Renegades have won five of their past six matches against Hobart Hurricanes.
• D’Arcy Short needs 12 runs to pass Jos Buttler as leading run scorer in BBL08.
• Only Dan Christian has passed 100 runs in BBL08 so far for Melbourne Renegades.

Prediction

As mentioned, Hobart Hurricanes are easy winners on paper and on form.

However, this is a big danger game for them. With Melbourne Renegades possessing a good record against Hobart Hurricanes, plus conditions that are very different to Hobart, I will pick Melbourne Renegades to cause an upset.

Thanks for reading!

Melbourne Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview + Dream11