Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
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.
P.S. I recently partnered with the awesome team at OnlineCricStore.com.
Hope you enjoy my cricket tips on the OnlineCricStore Blog!
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.
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!
P.S. I recently partnered with the awesome team at OnlineCricStore.com.
Hope you enjoy my cricket tips on the OnlineCricStore Blog!
Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11
