Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades Preview Dream11
This is well and truly it.
Perth Scorchers, the pre-tournament favourites, are now on their last legs. Sitting six points outside the top four, with four games remaining, this is officially must win territory. They have a game in hand over today’s opponents, and must beat them to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. Victory was snatched from them by the magnificent Callum Ferguson last week, after James Faulkner took it from them at the death in the match previous. Can they overcome the disappointment and get a win today?
However, perhaps some good news for the Scorchers is that the Melbourne Renegades are due for a loss. They have been on a win-loss-win-loss pattern in their last five games, winning their previous match against Sydney Thunder. Their batsmen struggled on a slow Marvel Stadium pitch, but whenever the Renegades have looked like they are no chance in BBL08, they have often defied logic. Will they end the Scorchers’ season in conditions they might very well enjoy?
Cricket Tips: Four common ways batsmen can get out to left-arm spin, and how they can be rectified!
Key to a Perth Scorchers win
The Scorchers’ batting was a significant problem for them earlier in the season, but they have been in the runs in recent matches. However, their bowling has flattered to deceive, conceding 170+ scores in each of their three matches, including to lose twice in a row in heartbreaking fashion. AJ Tye continues to struggle at the death, so the onus is on the likes of Jason Behrendhorff and Nathan Coulter-Nile to pick up early wickets to allow the Scorchers a strong shot at the Renegades’ middle order. The key for the Scorchers will be to overcome any onslaughts from the Renegades through good planning and execution.
Also, can the Scorchers get in the runs again? Shaun Marsh, despite having plenty of luck, made a strong return to BBL cricket against the Thunder. He will be crucial at the top, along with Cameron Bancroft who has had a couple of low scores in a row. With the Renegades priding themselves on strong middle overs bowling, the Scorchers need a strong start to give their middle order a platform to counter the Renegades allrounders in those key overs. With Ashton Turner and Mitch Marsh also key, can the Scorchers get the better of the likes of Kane Richardson, Mohammad Nabi and Harry Gurney at the top to set up their innings well?
Key to a Melbourne Renegades win
The Renegades’ batting lineup is reflective of their inconsistency in BBL08. They have either been very good, or quite poor, with the latest effort a decent effort vs Sydney Thunder after a low score vs the Stars. The Scorchers side is one that is low on confidence, so the key for the Renegades will be to get to the death overs with wickets in hand to take on an attack that has struggled in this period in recent games. Aaron Finch has shown some good form in his BBL08 campaign so far, and will be crucial at the top, along with Cameron White and Tom Cooper who have also shown some decent form of late. Can they set up a strong platform for the allrounders?
Also, Kane Richardson leads the wicket taking chart in BBL08, so he will be crucial in getting the better of the Scorchers’ lineup. The Scorchers will be calling on their top order to deliver the goods in their do-or-die clash, so if Richardson can stall that progress, you get the feeling that the Renegades could well be on their way to victory. Harry Gurney has been strong in the death overs so far this tournament, so if the bowling attack puts on a collaborative display that leaves the Scorchers with too much to do at the death, it will be a strong position for the Renegades to be in.
Also read: Which should be number one? The top 10 cricket bats of 2019!
Possible Playing 11
Perth Scorchers have named an unchanged squad for this clash, with Michael Klinger perhaps likely to be left out of the XI again.
Perth Scorchers Possible Playing 11: 1. Shaun Marsh, 2. Cameron Bancroft (wk), 3. Mitchell Marsh (c), 4. Ashton Turner, 5. Hilton Cartwright, 6. Nick Hobson, 7. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 8. Matt Kelly, 9. Andrew Tye, 10. Usman Qadir, 11. Jason Behrendhorff
Melbourne Renegades have made one change to their 13-man squad, bringing in Joe Mennie for Jon Holland.
Melbourne Renegades Possible Playing 11: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. Mackenzie Harvey, 3. Sam Harper (wk), 4. Tom Cooper, 5. Cameron White, 6. Mohammad Nabi, 7. Daniel Christian, 8. Jack Wildermuth, 9. Cameron Boyce, 10. Kane Richardson, 11. Harry Gurney
Cricket Tips: Four common ways batsmen can get out to left-arm spin, and how they can be rectified!
Dream11 Prediction
Stats and Facts
- Perth Scorchers have won eight of nine meetings against Melbourne Renegades, with their only loss coming earlier this season.
- Kane Richardson leads the BBL08 wicket taking chart with 18.
- Ashton Turner is the only Perth Scorchers batsman to score more than 200 runs in BBL08 (306).
Match Prediction
Perth Scorchers start this match as favourites, even though they can’t seem to buy a win at the moment.
Home ground advantage is always crucial for the Scorchers, but I predict Melbourne Renegades will win this game off the back of a solid batting effort, despite their inconsistency of late.
Thanks for reading!
Also read: Which should be number one? The top 10 cricket bats of 2019!
Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades Preview Dream11
