Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Perth Scorchers vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview Dream11
It’s second last vs first, but has the potential to be game of the tournament.
BBL08 desperately needs a high-quality thriller, and this has the potential to deliver, with perennial achievers Perth Scorchers taking on high-flying Hobart Hurricanes.
However, it has not been perennial achievement for Perth Scorchers in BBL08. They sit seventh with three wins, which is something not many could have predicted before the tournament. However, they have won their last two matches on the back of good performances, and with the table tight at the moment, the Scorchers have the chance to break into the top four. The Hurricanes will be tougher opposition than the Stars (without their ODI players) and Sixers, so will the Scorchers step up at a key stage of the tournament?
Hobart Hurricanes have had a magnificent season so far, sitting pretty on their own at the top of the BBL08 table. They swatted away Melbourne Stars with ease, but like the Scorchers, they face a tough test today. They also swept the Scorchers aside easily earlier in the campaign, and a fantastic opportunity awaits to all but lock in their spot in the BBL08 playoffs, leaving their opponents with an even bigger fight to make the top four.
Key to a Perth Scorchers win
Cameron Bancroft and Ashton Turner were superb against the Sixers, and will be key again against a firing Hurricanes attack. Those two are in good enough form to help the others bat around them and set up a competitive total against an opposition top order that has conquered most in BBL08. Bancroft and Turner against a strong attack are vital to whether the Scorchers can say they have turned a corner. This is a step up from the Stars and Sixers, and the Scorchers must put on a solid display, which includes strong contributions from the likes of Michael Klinger, Hilton Cartwright and David Willey.
Also, whether the Scorchers can overcome the Hurricanes’ top order, especially D’Arcy Short and Matthew Wade, will be crucial to the result. Nathan Coulter-Nile and David Willey have more wickets in them than they have shown, and they will be crucial at the top to set a platform for AJ Tye and Usman Qadir, who have both been good in recent matches. With Jason Behrendhorff, Jhye Richardson and Ashton Agar unavailable, the Scorchers need a collaborative bowling effort that asks questions of the Hurricanes from all avenues.
Key to a Hobart Hurricanes win
Hobart Hurricanes possess a fine top order, which has had an impact in BBL08 thanks to the in-form openers. D’Arcy Short has continued on his fine BBL form from last season, and if he bats through to the latter part of the innings, the Hurricanes will be set for a strong total as he allows others to bat around him. Matthew Wade is one of those, who has also often ensured the Hurricanes get a strong start, which paves the way for Ben McDermott and George Bailey to capitalise. Will the Hurricanes overcome a Scorchers attack that will throw everything at them?
Also, expect the Hurricanes’ bowlers to enjoy conditions at Optus Stadium. The pitch has provided some pace and bounce in BBL08, which is perfect for Jofra Archer and Riley Meredith, who both extracted pace out of what is a slower pitch at the MCG a few nights back. These two will be key in targeting a Scorchers’ lineup that is only just finding its feet, with Cameron Bancroft and Ashton Turner two big targets. If the Hurricanes get the better of them, it will go a long way to victory.
Possible Playing 11
Ashton Agar is out of BBL08 with a fractured finger. Will Bosisto takes his place in the squad.
Perth Scorchers Possible Playing 11: 1. Michael Klinger, 2. Cameron Bancroft (wk), 3. Sam Whiteman, 4. Ashton Turner (c), 5. Hilton Cartwright, 6. Will Bosisto, 7. David Willey, 8. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9. Matt Kelly, 10. Andrew Tye, 11. Usman Qadir
Hobart Hurricanes have made one change to their squad, with Jake Doran currently playing for Cricket Australia XI against Sri Lanka, where he has made an unbeaten century.
Hobart Hurricanes Possible Playing 11: 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
- Cameron Bancroft v Matthew Wade: Two in-form keeper batsmen. Cameron Bancroft gets the nod thanks to his super outstanding form in the past two matches. 59 against Melbourne Stars followed by 87* vs the Sixers.
- Ashton Turner is one of the in-form batsmen in BBL Cricket, mustering 200 runs in his past four innings. He has hit 15 fours and eight sixes in this period.
- D’Arcy Short is the competition’s leading run scorer. Like the Scorchers’ batsmen, he will likely face a tougher test against the Scorchers bowlers, but he is in terrific form. Offers a good deal with the ball, too.
- Ashton Agar’s last three games vs Hobart Hurricanes (most recent first): 2/19, 2/14 and 1/22. However, he is out of BBL08 with a fractured finger, so Matt Kelly, who was impressive in the last match, takes his place.
- James Faulkner has 10 wickets in BBL08, placing him in the top ten wicket takers.
- AJ Tye has six wickets in his past two games, and is hitting his groove.
- Riley Meredith is coming off four wickets in his last game, and might enjoy the pacy Perth conditions.
- Nathan Coulter-Nile has gone wicketless in his past two matches, but took four wickets in his previous two games at Perth. He is worth persisting with.
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Stats and Facts
- Hobart Hurricanes have won the past two meetings between the sides, after Perth Scorchers won the previous six.
- Number of sixes in BBL08: Perth Scorchers 18, Hobart Hurricanes 40.
- In four BBL matches at Perth Stadium, three have been won by the team chasing.
Match Prediction
I will hold my hand up and say that I did not expect Hobart Hurricanes to go this well. The positions on the points table should suggest that this will be a one-sided game, but the Scorchers will be very competitive in this one.
Will they have enough in them to win?
I originally said yes, but the loss of Ashton Agar is a big blow, given the balance he provides to the side. Hurricanes to win.
Thanks for reading!
PS I have partnered with the great team at onlinecricstore.com
- Purchase any cricket item and get a special discount with my name code: CHARBEL5
- Hope you enjoy my cricket tips on the OnlineCricStore Blog!
Perth Scorchers vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview Dream11
