BBL 7, Match 39, Preview: Must win game for the Hobart Hurricanes to avoid complications

One of the game's greatest ever batsmen, Kevin Pietersen, will bid adieu to the gentlemen's game after this contest.

Published - 26 Jan 2018, 23:08 IST | Updated - 26 Jan 2018, 23:08 IST

2 Min Read

After a poor start to the tournament, the Hobart Hurricanes have turned the tables around and are just a step away from entering the semifinals. One thing they have to be wary of is the complicated situation they are in and their nearest competitors Brisbane Heat. The Hurricanes currently are placed 4th on the table with 10 points and Saturday’s game against the Melbourne Stars will mark the culmination of their group stage campaign.

On the other side of the coin, the Brisbane Heat, who started off on a grandiose note in the League, are in a precarious situation. With 8 points in their account, they have to register a decent win against the Melbourne Renegades. At the same time, the Hurricanes will have to lose their game to keep Brisbane alive in the tournament.

Hurricanes lost their previous two games, but they still have their fate in their own hands. If George Bailey and company manage to pull off a win, the final league game between the Heat and the Renegades will be a dead-rubber. The real drama will begin if the Stars, who won just a single game throughout the campaign, pull off an upset at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Playing Combinations

Melbourne Stars

Their big signing Ben Dunk failed miserably and it played a crucial role in their downfall this season. The experience of Kevin Pietersen and James Faulkner will be crucial as Glenn Maxwell has re-joined the Australian squad as a back for Aaron Finch. It’ll be interesting to see how the youngsters Peter Handscomb, Seb Gotch, and Liam Bowe fare with the bat.

John Hastings’ first ever season as the skipper proved to be a nightmare. His side failed to do anything special and eventually succumbed in the worst possible way. This happens to be their worst rendition in BBL group stages. But his bowling contingent, which includes the likes of Evan Gulbis, Scott Boland, and Dan Worrall.

Probable XI: John Hastings (C), Scott Boland, Liam Bowe, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Kevin Pietersen, Rob Quiney, Dan Worrall

Hobart Hurricanes

No changes are expected in the Hurricanes lineup, who will be placing their hopes on the top order to win them the game. D’Arcy Short has been one of the top players of the season, if not the best. They need their experienced guns in Matthew Wade, George Bailey, and Daniel Christian to fire with the bat as well.

Jofra Archer has been the standout as far as the bowling attack is concerned. He will be accompanied by Tymal Mills, Thomas Rogers, and Simon Milenko in the fast bowling department. Clive Rose and Cameron Boyce will take care of the spin department.

Probable XI: George Bailey (C), Matthew Wade (wk), Daniel Christian, Tymal Mills, Cameron Boyce, Clive Rose, Ben McDermott, Simon Milenko, D’Arcy Short, Jofra Archer, Thomas Rogers

Focus will be on-

Kevin Pietersen (Melbourne Stars)

One of the game’s greatest ever batsmen, Kevin Pietersen, will bid adieu to the gentleman’s game after this contest. With a resolute technique and indomitable spirit, he already has left an everlasting and original legacy behind. The Stars would be hoping for him to finish off with a bang and hopefully, do a massive favour to the Brisbane Heat.

D’Arcy Short (Hobart Hurricanes)

The leading run-scorer in the tournament, D’Arcy Short couldn’t have asked for a better time for a purple patch. The IPL auction is less than 16 hours away and a lot of franchises would’ve already noticed what he’s capable of. But most importantly, he needs to fire one more time to help his side confirm their berth in the next stages without any complications.