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Bangladesh vs West Indies 3rd T20I Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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December 22, 2018 at 5:54 pm

Bangladesh vs West Indies 3rd T20I Preview + Dream11

How unpredictable has this series been? West Indies’ bowlers were good in the first T20I, then awful in the second. Bangladesh’s batsmen were awful in the first, then superb in the second.

What on earth does the decider have in store?

Bangladesh, led by Shakib Al Hasan, leveled the series in Dhaka. The Tigers needed to respond to their second worst ever T20I loss (balls remaining), and that they did, smashing 211. Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib and Mahmudullah were excellent, piling the pressure on the Windies with excellent strokeplay. The bowlers, also led by the superb Shakib, held their nerve, leveraging off the wicket of Shai Hope, which rendered the game as good as over. Will the Tigers clean sweep all series on this Windies tour?

West Indies would have been mighty disappointed with their effort on Thursday. It took them nearly two hours to bowl 20 overs, such was the number of extras, poor deliveries and confusion in regards to their strategy. The Windies, in the first T20I, bowled over 40% of deliveries in the short zone, which was a success. This was then reduced to well below 40% in the second T20I, in which Bangladesh pounced. Can the Windies get things right in the decider?

Key to a Bangladesh win

Shakib Al Hasan was deservedly man of the match on Thursday, but Bangladesh would have been mighty pleased with the efforts of Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar and Mahmudullah. Das, in particular, showcased the immense talent he has, and has to repeat it here on his way to better consistency at international level. Mahmudullah then supported Shakib well when the boat was rocking at 110/4, and finished the innings beautifully. Can the Tigers get plenty from their top order, including Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim, who have been uncharacteristically quiet by their standards?

However, Bangladesh’s efforts with the ball have left a little to be desired at times. Mustafizur Rahman has been taken to the cleaners, particularly by Shai Hope, and needs to step up with early wickets to give Bangladesh a foothold in the game. Spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan will again be key in picking up regular wickets, and this can come from an excellent start in the powerplay. Once again, Shai Hope will be the key wicket.

Cricket Blog: Bangladesh vs West Indies 3rd T20I Preview + Dream11 CricBlog Cricket Preview — Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN / AFP: Bangladesh vs West Indies 3rd T20I Preview + Dream11: Shakib Al Hasan was outstanding in the 2nd match.

Key to a West Indies win

The Windies’ bowling at times in the second T20I could have brought a tear to a glass eye. They were all over the place, unable to respond to the pressure put on them by Bangladesh’s batsmen. Keemo Paul was particularly loose, and needs to respond well, so too Sheldon Cottrell, Carlos Brathwaite and Oshane Thomas who were well below their best from the first T20I.

Also, what can Shai Hope deliver? His wicket was just about the end of the Windies’ run chase on Thursday, and while there was more input from other players, his score will be crucial. Other players who must step up are Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer, with the latter not at his best in the LOIs in Bangladesh. Will the Windies put together a cohesive batting display?

Bangladesh vs West Indies 3rd T20I Preview + Dream11 Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview — Image credit: AFP: Bangladesh vs West Indies 3rd T20I Preview + Dream11: Shai Hope will be key again

Predicted Playing XIs

Bangladesh will likely stick with the same team that won the second T20I. One possible change is Nazmul Islam for Abu Hider

Bangladesh: 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2. Liton Das, 3. Soumya Sarkar, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Shakib Al Hasan (c), 6. Mahmudullah, 7. Ariful Haque, 8. Mohammad Saifuddin, 9. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 10. Abu Hider/Nazmul Islam, 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Sherfane Rutherford gives the Windies a hitting option, but they are likely to stick with the same XI. Unless of course, they make a crazy decision to “rest” Oshane Thomas as they did in the deciding ODI.

West Indies: 1. Evin Lewis, 2. Shai Hope (wk), 3. Nicholas Pooran, 4. Darren Bravo/Sherfane Rutherford, 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Rovman Powell, 7. Carlos Brathwaite (c), 8. Keemo Paul, 9. Fabian Allen, 10. Oshane Thomas, 11. Sheldon Cottrell

Dream11

Some on-and-off players in either side makes Dream11 a challenge! Below is my Dream11 side that I feel has the best chance of succeeding.

Shai Hope gets in over Mushfiqur Rahim. In better batting form.
Liton Das stepped up two times in a row in the West Indies earlier this year to guide Bangladesh to a series win. Back him to do well again.
Shimron Hetmyer is due. Soumya Sarkar enjoys the ball coming onto the bat in Dhaka.
Shakib Al Hasan is my skipper.
Back Mustafizur Rahman to be in the wickets, and so to Sheldon Cottrell in the later overs.

Stats and Facts

Bangladesh won the T20I series 2-1 in the West Indies earlier this year.
Shai Hope has hit 596 in 11 innings this tour.
West Indies have lost four straight series to Bangladesh in all formats.

Prediction

Should be another exciting clash with plenty of runs.

Will Bangladesh get the job done? I think so. They love Dhaka.

Thanks for reading!

Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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December 22, 2018 at 12:56 pm

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Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview + Dream11

It’s what makes T20 cricket interesting.

Brisbane Heat, 7th place finishers in BBL07 and with a first up defeat in BBL08, start as favourites against last year’s finalists. The Heat had their moments against the Strikers in the tournament opener, but as feared, they rely too much on individual brilliance. Perhaps significantly, they will be at home away from their beloved Gabba, with Gold Coast’s Metricon Stadium set to host its first ever BBL game, soon after its first ever T20I. Can the Heat get their first win of BBL08?

Hobart Hurricanes begin BBL08 looking to go one better than their BBL07 campaign. D’Arcy Short, who hasn’t quite reached the heights since, was central to their run to the final, and so too Jofra Archer, who will be aiming for another strong campaign. The absence of Tim Paine, as well as the loss of Dan Christian leaves a little hole in the Hurricanes line up. However, they still possess talent in their 13-man squad, and will be looking for a better start than their BBL07 campaign.

Key to a Brisbane Heat win

There is a long way to go yet, but Brisbane Heat showed glimpses of why I have predicted them to finish last this season. Their all-or-nothing approach in the powerplay overs put them under significant pressure for the remainder of their batting innings, with James Peirson and Mujeeb Ur Rahman getting the Heat to a somewhat respectable 146 after being 101/9.

Brendon McCullum will need to find a balance between big shots and getting his team off to a solid start, which is possible given the encouraging signs Max Bryant showed on Wednesday. Chris Lynn is also undoubtedly crucial to the Heat’s chances, but for the home side to get their first win, they will need more from the likes of Joe Burns, Ben Cutting and Sam Heazlett. If the Heat rely on one or two small periods of magic with the bat, it might not be enough.

Also, James Pattinson will miss this game as he is best man at a friend’s wedding. Who will step up in his absence? Spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mitch Swepson bowled well against the Strikers, but apart from Pattinson, no other seamer looked very threatening. Mark Steketee was off colour and has to improve, and a lot is needed from Ben Cutting to make life easier for his captain. Can the Heat pick up early wickets and build the pressure on the Hurricanes?

Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview + Dream11 Cricket Preview Cricket Blog CricBlog — Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview + Dream11: It was a tough night for Mark Steketee…

Key to a Hobart Hurricanes win

As mentioned, D’Arcy Short was central to the Hurricanes’ run to the BBL07 final. He topped the run scoring charts last season, and he will be key again against a Heat attack that looks a little thin on paper. His battle with Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the early overs could very well dictate how this game will go.

Also, can the Hurricanes batting line up click into gear right away? The men in purple possess players in good form in domestic cricket such as Matthew Wade, Alex Doolan and George Bailey, who will be tasked with keeping the scoreboard ticking over. Ben McDermott is also one to keep an eye out for, with his talent on display for Australia in 2018, and he, along with James Faulkner, need to provide much needed power in the middle order. Will the Hurricanes inflict more ‘heat’ on Brisbane Heat?

Also, do the Hurricanes have the bowling depth to trouble the Heat? Jofra Archer was immense in BBL07, and will be key again, so too new recruit Johan Botha. However, who else will step up with the ball? James Faulkner needs to rediscover his form, and Clive Rose will have to be tidy in the powerplay overs, which is where he typically bowls. Can the likes of Simon Milenko and Riley Meredith, if called up, provide impact for the Hurricanes?

Image credit: Getty. Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview + Dream11: Will D’Arcy Short be in the runs?

Predicted Playing XIs

Brisbane Heat, in their 13-man squad, have brought in spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. However, expect Josh Lalor to replace James Pattinson in the XI.

Brisbane Heat: 1. Brendon McCullum, 2. Max Bryant, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. Joe Burns, 5. Sam Heazlett, 6. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 7. Ben Cutting, 8. Mitch Swepson, 9. Mark Steketee, 10. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 11. Josh Lalor

Hobart Hurricanes have also put out their 13-man squad. Tymal Mills picked up a hamstring injury in the warm up match. Four players could make their Hurricanes BBL debuts if selected – Jake Doran, Johan Botha, David Moody and James Faulkner.

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

Dream11

High-scoring match? Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

Matthew Wade has been in excellent form domestically. He is likely to open the batting, too. He is my VC.
I predict Chris Lynn will have a good outing against Hobart’s attack. Max Bryant showed good form against the Strikers.
George Bailey has been in good touch, and Ben McDermott is a powerful player.
Brendon McCullum has two fifties in his last three games vs Hobart Hurricanes. He has hinted at retirement, but this is a game he could very well enjoy.
I predict Mujeeb Ur Rahman will get the better of D’Arcy Short at the top.
Riley Meredith has been in the wickets in Shield Cricket. Jofra Archer is a key weapon for the Hurricanes, especially at the death. Mitch Swepson bowled well two nights ago.

Stats and Facts

Metricon Stadium in the Gold Coast will host its first ever BBL match.
Hobart Hurricanes have won seven of the last nine games vs Brisbane Heat.
Jofra Archer was third highest wicket taker in BBL07 (16).

Prediction

Rain is unfortunately predicted throughout the match tonight.

Despite my prediction about Brisbane Heat overall this tournament, I think this will be their good night. I predict a Brisbane Heat win, with their top heavy batting line up to be in the runs against a Hobart attack likely to rely a lot on Jofra Archer.

Thanks for reading!

Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview + Dream11

Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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December 21, 2018 at 9:47 pm

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Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11

No time to think about the first up loss. Perth Scorchers, the tournament favourites, are back in action less than 48 hours after their first up loss to the Melbourne Renegades.

They will come up against Sydney Sixers, who possess a squad capable of improvement on their BBL07 campaign. The Sixers’ name was appropriate last season, losing their first six, before winning their last four games. The introduction of Joe Denly to the side helped with the change of fortunes, and is in a side that has a good mix of youth and experience in their quest for an improved season.

Perth Scorchers’ strength is their bowling, but their batting effort against the Renegades was poor. It is certainly not panic stations for the Scorchers, though, with the Perth side losing their first game in five of the previous seven BBL editions, with three titles to their name. They won the corresponding fixture in Sydney last season, and will be looking for a response to avoid going 0-2 in BBL08.

Key to a Sydney Sixers win

As mentioned, the addition of Joe Denly helped the Sixers finish their BBL07 campaign in style. He will be key at the top, along with the likes of Moises Henriques, Dan Hughes and Jordan Silk in helping the Sixers overcome the good Scorchers attack. Another player to keep an eye out for is young gun Jack Edwards, who has been in superb form in domestic cricket. The top and middle order will be tasked with both setting up and launching well, so a good powerplay, where the Scorchers are usually mighty effective, will be key.

Also, the Sixers’ bowling attack is reason for optimism in BBL08. Tom Curran, a fine bowler for England in LOIs, will be key in targeting a Scorchers’ line up that was off the pace in Melbourne. With him include the accurate Steve O’Keefe, the pacy Ben Dwarshuis and the hugely exciting 19-year old leg-spinner Lloyd Pope. Limiting the Scorchers’ batting effort will go a long way to victory for the Sixers, given the Scorchers’ prowess with the ball.

Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11 Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview — Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11: Joe Denly was an excellent addition for the Sixers last year

Key to a Perth Scorchers win

The Scorchers had hope of pulling off an incredible victory on Thursday, reducing the Renegades to 17/4. However, a few poor overs with the ball was all it took for the game to slip away, given that the batting failed badly. Yes, it was a sluggish pitch at Marvel Stadium, but the lack of game awareness was disappointing from one of the tournament favourites, and would want more from the likes of Ash Turner, Sam Whiteman, Michael Klinger and David Willey. With skipper Mitch Marsh out, will the batsmen put on a more improved showing?

Also, can the Scorchers dominate the powerplay again with the ball? Jason Behrendhorff is a magnificent exponent of this, and his partnership with Nathan Coulter-Nile on Thursday is something the Scorchers will be hoping for again. However, Andrew Tye, David Willey and Usman Qadir were well below their best. Will the Scorchers put on a more cohesive bowling display along with an improved batting effort?

Predicted Playing XIs

Sydney Sixers have named their 13-man squad, which includes a few changes from last season. Expect young-guns Jack Edwards and Lloyd Pope to get a run for the Sixers, along with experienced players such as Moises Henriques, Sean Abbott, Daniel Hughes and Joe Denly

Sydney Sixers: 1. Joe Denly, 2. Daniel Hughes, 3. Jack Edwards, 4. Moises Henriques (c), 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Josh Philippe (wk), 7. Sean Abbott, 8. Tom Curran, 9. Steve O’Keefe, 10. Lloyd Pope, 11. Ben Dwarshuis

Mitchell Marsh is out of the Perth Scorchers squad, replaced by Will Bosisto. A player under a little pressure is Usman Qadir, who was disappointing vs Renegades, but could get another chance given Sydney can suit spin.

Perth Scorchers: 1. Michael Klinger, 2. Sam Whiteman (wk), 3. David Willey, 4. Ashton Turner (c), 5. Will Bosisto, 6. Hilton Cartwright, 7. Ashton Agar, 8. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9. Jhye Richardson/Usman Qadir, 10. Andrew Tye, 11. Jason Behrendhorff

Dream11

Good bowling talent on display in this clash. Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

Sam Whiteman at the top of the order offers good value.
Michael Klinger is the unlucky one to miss out, with Jack Edwards making my team. Watch out for this kid.
Joe Denly was a superb addition for the Sixers last year.
Backing David Willey to have an improved game.
Five bowlers make my side, including the talented Lloyd Pope.

Stats and Facts

Perth Scorchers won both meetings vs Sydney Sixers in BBL07.
Perth Scorchers have lost their first game six times in eight BBL campaigns.
The last time Sydney Sixers beat Perth Scorchers in December, 2016 (three meetings ago).

Prediction

It will be a big challenge for the Scorchers as they come up against a talented Sixers side.

However, I back them to improve on their first up performance and win this one.

Thanks for reading!

Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11

Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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December 21, 2018 at 12:47 pm

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Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11

Two sides who are looking to improve on last season’s efforts go head-to-head in Canberra. While conditions will be nothing like yesterday’s Sydney Storm, some rain is expected in the nation’s capital. Hopefully, viewers should still be treated to an exciting clash between two sides with good players on paper.

Sydney Thunder have largely disappointed in BBL, despite winning the tournament in BBL05. Their title success in 2015/16 was the only time they qualified for the tour four, constantly hampered by reliance on one or two players such as Chris Gayle, Usman Khawaja, Eoin Morgan or Shane Watson. With Shane Bond the coach, and a talented Thunder squad this season, can the Thunder kick off a promising season in positive fashion?

Melbourne Stars have qualified for the finals six times, but unlike the Thunder, have never won the tournament. Last season was by far the Stars’ worst, finishing last. However, they possess a squad that can see them be the most improved on last season, containing the likes of Dwayne Bravo, Glenn Maxwell and Nepalese sensation Sandeep Lamichhane. Will it be the Stars that will win the battle of the green tonight?

Key to a Sydney Thunder win

Sydney Thunder possess two players central to England’s ODI resurgence since 2015. Jos Buttler has announced himself as arguably the best keeper-batsman in limited overs cricket, and Joe Root has had a magnificent last few years in ODI Cricket. These two will be key in helping set up a strong platform for Thunder, in conjunction with the likes of Shane Watson and Callum Ferguson. Will the Thunder put together a cohesive batting display – something that has been a rarity in recent years?

Also, the Manuka Oval track in Canberra is one of the slower ones in Australia, and the Thunder possess a battery of spinners who can take advantage. Fawad Ahmed has been a key performer, and will be key again, so too Chris Green and Arjun Nair who will be tasked with providing economical overs. While the seam attack looks a touch light this season, Gurinder Sandhu and Daniel Sams have showed promise in this competition before, and they will be key in picking up wickets in all three stages of the innings.

Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11 Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview — Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11: Shane Watson will be a key player for the Thunder

Key to a Melbourne Stars win

Melbourne Stars’ aging squad caught up with them a little last season. However, the additions of Sandeep Lamichhane and Dwayne Bravo can rejuvenate them, and will be looking for an immediate impact from these two.

On the batting front, Ben Dunk, leading run scorer twice in BBL, was poor last season, and will be key to a good night for the Stars in Canberra. With an in-form Nick Larkin likely to get a Stars debut, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, the Stars have enough on paper to pick up a strong total.

However, what can the Stars deliver with the ball? Sydney Thunder possess arguably a top order heavy batting line up, so early and regular wickets for the Stars will be crucial. Adam Zampa showed very encouraging signs for Australia against India recently, Sandeep Lamichhane is a spin sensation, and both will need to be supported well by the likes of Scott Boland, who has dominated Shield Cricket so far this season. Also, can the allrounders – Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Dwayne Bravo – chip in with effective overs?

Predicted Playing XIs

Sydney Thunder have named their 13-man squad. One of Sam Rainbird, Jono Cook and academy bowler Nathan McAndrew could get a look in.

Sydney Thunder: 1. Jos Buttler (wk), 2. Shane Watson (c), 3. Joe Root, 4. Callum Ferguson, 5. Jason Sangha, 6. Arjun Nair, 7. Nathan McAndrew/Sam Rainbird, 8. Chris Green, 9. Daniel Sams, 10. Gurinder Sandhu, 11. Fawad Ahmed

Melbourne Stars have also named their 13-man squad. Five players could make their club debuts – Nick Larkin, Dwayne Bravo, Travis Dean, Sandeep Lamichhane and Lance Morris.

Melbourne Stars: 1. Nick Larkin, 2. Ben Dunk (wk), 3. Glenn Maxwell (c), 4. Evan Gulbis, 5. Dwayne Bravo, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Adam Zampa, 8. Sandeep Lamichhane, 9. Michael Beer, 10. Scott Boland, 11. Jackson Coleman

Dream11

Plenty of talent on display for Dream11. Below is my side with a few pointers.

Jos Buttler is my keeper. All class.
Joe Root and Shane Watson are two of the Thunder’s best batsmen. Watson is my skipper.
Nick Larkin has been in magnificent form for NSW, and offers good value.
Glenn Maxwell and Dwayne Bravo are the two Melbourne Stars allrounders in my side. With spin to play a role on what could be a slowish surface, I’ve decided to leave Marcus Stoinis out.
Spin-trio Sandeep Lamichhane, Adam Zampa and Fawad Ahmed make my side, so too the promising pacer Daniel Sams.

Stats and Facts

Head-to-Head: Matches 8, Sydney Thunder 5, Melbourne Stars 3
Shane Watson was fifth-highest run scorer in BBL07 (331).
Melbourne Stars finished last in BBL07 – the first time they have missed the finals.

Prediction

Promises to be an exciting clash, provided the weather holds. Despite my prediction that Melbourne Stars will improve this season, I back Sydney Thunder to do well in Canberra.

Sydney Thunder to win.

Thanks for reading!

Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars Preview + Dream11

Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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December 20, 2018 at 12:50 pm

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Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11

It is the perennial underachievers against perennial finalists.

Melbourne Renegades begin their campaign with arguably the toughest test, coming up against one of the BBL08 favourites, Perth Scorchers. The Renegades, who finished in the top four for the first time in five years last season, will be looking to immediately lay down a marker against a well balanced side. The absence of Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris to Australian Test duty is a blow, but there is enough experience in their line up to give the Scorchers a challenge. Can the Renegades step up?

Perth Scorchers have finished in the top four in all seven editions of BBL. They are the most consistent side, with the most titles (three), and possess such a squad that two or three different final XIs would still be very good ones. Mitchell Marsh leads the side in the quest for a fourth title, and will be looking to get their tournament off and running away from home. Will the Scorchers prove too good?

Key to a Melbourne Renegades win

As mentioned, the absence of Finch and Harris is a blow, but the Renegades still possess good experience in their batting line up. The likes of Tim Ludeman, Cameron White, Tom Cooper and Dan Christian have a crucial role to play in overcoming a quality Scorchers attack, paving the way for a strong total. The Scorchers possess bowlers that can deliver in all three stages of the innings, so partnerships, especially at the top, is crucial to the Renegades’ cause.

Also, can the Renegades get into the Scorchers’ middle order quickly? The Scorchers possess plenty of allrounders, which can be considered as an opportunity for the Renegades to target. Usman Khan Shenwari, Kane Richardson, Cameron Boyce and Mohammad Nabi represents a decent core bowling unit, and need to keep chipping away at a long Scorchers batting lineup.

Cricket Blog: Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11 CricBlog Cricket Blog Cricket Preview BBL08 — Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11: Tom Cooper will lead the Renegades, and is a key batsman.

Key to a Perth Scorchers win

What can decide the game is Renegades v Scorchers in the powerplay overs. The Renegades’ batting stocks have taken a hit, which opens the door for a fine Scorchers attack to take advantage, especially in the early overs. Jason Behrendhorff, who missed the whole of last season with injury, will be of welcome return, and will be crucial at the top. With the likes of David Willey, Andrew Tye, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jhye Richardson (as well as Marsh and Turner), the Scorchers have a plethora of options to turn to in each stage of the innings to keep the pressure on the Renegades.

However, the batting is a potential opportunity for the Renegades to exploit. How well will Michael Klinger go? Will David Willey be sent up the order? What can Josh Inglis and Sam Whiteman, if selected, deliver? Given the strong Scorchers attack, if they get enough runs on the board, a Scorchers victory will be very likely.

Predicted Playing XIs

Melbourne Renegades have named their 13-man squad, with the fortunes of the top order key to their success.

Melbourne Renegades: 1. Tim Ludeman (wk), 2. Kelvin Smith, 3. Cameron White, 4. Tom Cooper (c), 5. Dan Christian, 6. Mohammad Nabi, 7. Jack Wildermuth, 8. Chris Tremain, 9. Cameron Boyce, 10. Kane Richardson, 11. Usman Khan Shenwari

Perth Scorchers have also named their 13-man squad. Their squad looks so strong on paper that any of those 13 can make the final side.

Perth Scorchers: 1. Michael Klinger, 2. David Willey, 3. Hilton Cartwright, 4. Mitchell Marsh (c), 5. Ashton Turner, 6. Josh Inglis (wk), 7. Ashton Agar, 8. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9. Andrew Tye, 10. Jhye Richardson/Usman Qadir, 11. Jason Behrendhorff

Dream11

A decent day yesterday for Dream11. Today, with the excellent Scorchers squad, it is a big challenge. Below is my Dream11 side with a few pointers.

Marvel Stadium in Melbourne has historically been a good ground for spinners. Cameron Boyce, Ashton Agar and Mohammad Nabi make my side.
Jason Behrendhorff will be key in the powerplay overs. I predict he will get the better of the Renegades top order. AJ Tye will be key at the death.
Tom Cooper and Tim Ludeman are key players at the top for the Renegades. Cameron White is as well, but will he handle swing well?
David Willey could open both the batting and bowling, and is an excellent T20 player. He is my captain.
Ashton Turner is one to watch out for with his all-round capabilities.

Stats and Facts

Melbourne Renegades have never beaten Perth Scorchers (eight matches).
Perth Scorchers have won seven of their past 10 T20 matches. Melbourne Renegades have won five.
Perth Scorchers have made the finals in each of the seven BBL editions.

Prediction

Just like one of the favourites, Adelaide Strikers, won well yesterday, I expect Perth Scorchers to do the same.

The bowling attack of the Scorchers looks mighty strong, and will prove too much for the Renegades line up missing Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris.

Thanks for reading!

Also read: Alex Carey and Rashid Khan have started very well! My six big BBL08 predictions.

Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11

Bangladesh vs West Indies 2nd T20I Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey

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December 19, 2018 at 2:22 pm

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Bangladesh vs West Indies 2nd T20I Preview + Dream11

What was that in Sylhet? It was over before you could blink an eye.

Bangladesh, who entered the first T20I as favourites, showcased the big gap between their best and worst cricket. The home side’s fans had a right to be confident after a big win in the deciding ODI, as well as the series win away in the Caribbean earlier this year, but the Tigers gave themselves a mountain to climb with the all-to-familiar loss of wickets in the powerplay. Skipper Shakib Al Hasan was the only man to step up on Monday, and needs his teammates to follow suit if they are to keep the series alive.

A total of 129 was never going to be enough with Shai Hope in amazing form for West Indies. He smashed the third fastest T20I fifty in history, to consign Bangladesh to their second worst ever defeat in terms of balls remaining. However, the victory was set up by the bowlers, led by Sheldon Cottrell, of whom the Bangladesh batsmen no answer to. Can the Windies seal the series to add some polish to what has been a difficult tour?

Read: Australia vs India 2nd Test Player Ratings! (Funny)