BBL 7, Match 34, Preview: Battle for supremacy on the cards as Hobart Hurricanes take on spirited Scorchers

The 2017-18 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) is reaching the business end. Teams are all fired up to make the most out of their remaining fixtures in order to escalate to the top slots in the points table. Amidst this backdrop, when the Hobart Hurricanes will take on the Perth Scorchers, it will be a battle for supremacy.

If the Hurricanes win the match very convincingly, they will successfully rise to the top of the points table considering the fact that three teams will be standing with 12 points to their credit in that scenario. On the other hand, the Perth Scorchers will get a guaranteed top spot if they win the game. Currently, the Scorchers are lined up at number two spot with 12 points to their credit.

The Adelaide Strikers, the table toppers, nose ahead of the Scorchers owing to their better net run rate at the moment. Coming in to the game, the Hurricanes will be the camp under pressure after their 11-run defeat against the Strikers in their previous encounter. Interestingly, the Perth Scorchers will take confidence coming in to the game owing to their win against the very same opposition Adelaide Strikers.

Considering the fact that the two sides are so evenly matched at the moment, one can expect a thrilling contest on the cards. The odds, however, are in the favor of the hosts Perth Scorchers. The Scorchers have the habit of thriving in the end stages of the tournament and look like the team to beat at the moment.

Playing Combinations

Perth Scorchers

The Scorchers will fancy their chances at their home venue. Former Aussie speedster Mitchell Johnson is expected to play a big role in the game. He will have the services of Tim Bresnan in the bowling department. Also, young Joel Paris has been bowling really well this season. In the batting lineup, William Bosisto is likely to continue opening with the big man Michael Klinger. Cameron Bancroft and Hilton Cartwright will make up the middle order for the match.

Probable XI: Mitchell Johnson, Tim Bresnan, Sam Whiteman, Michael Klinger (C), William Bosisto, Cameron Bancroft (wk), Joel Paris, Ashton Turner, Ashton Agar, Hilton Cartwright, Matthew Kelly.

Hobart Hurricanes

Hobart Hurricanes will enter the game as the underdogs. But they do have a decent lineup to counter the bowling-heavy Scorchers. Alex Doolan and D’Arcy Short have got runs under their belts as opener. The middle order, comprising of skipper George Bailey and Ben McDermott, have been struggling with consistency though.

Their over-dependence on overseas recruit Tymal Mills in the bowling department needs to be addressed as well. Clive Rose and Jofra Archer have been contributing well with the ball though.

Probable XI: Alex Doolan, D’Arcy Short, Ben McDermott, George Bailey (C), Dan Christian, Matthew Wade, Jofra Archer, Cameron Boyce, Clive Rose, Tymal Mills, Aaron Summers.

Head to Head Record

In the head-to-head clashes, the Perth Scorchers nose ahead big time. The two sides have faced one another on 7 occasions thus far. The Scorchers have won on 5 occasions. The Hurricanes have overhauled the Scorchers spirit just twice. Will they beat the odds this time around?

Focus will be on

Michael Klinger (Perth Scorchers)

The success story for the Perth Scorchers has been very simple in the recent years. They have had big players in each department and the other players have played around them. In the batting order, they have been firmly led by Michael Klinger. Klinger has had a decent season thus far and as his reputation has been, he is set to peak up at the business end of the tournament.

George Bailey (Hobart Hurricanes)

The Hobart Hurricanes have seen some spirited show from their top order this season. Alex Doolan hit a crucial 70 in the previous game. D’Arcy Short had hammered a ton earlier in the season as well. However, their skipper George Bailey has failed to get runs under his belt. He will be under some serious pressure to guide his team from the front.

StatAttack

493 – Number of runs scored by D’Arcy Short in BBL this season. It is the most for any player in a BBL season. Shaun Marsh (412 in 2012/13) is the only other player to score 400 runs in a BBL season.

Broadcast details

Venue: W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth
Date: January 20, 20108
Time: 3:50 PM (IST), 10:20 AM (GMT), 6:20 (LOCAL)

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