Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades – Big Bash League Betting Tips, Latest Odds, Team News and Predictions – 25/1/2020
The Sydney Sixers will likely meet the Melbourne Stars in the Qualifier on the last day of this month. Their recent win over the Brisbane Heat means the Sixers only have the Adelaide Strikers challenging them for second position in the tournament’s seven-team standings.
The Melbourne Renegades managed to collect a couple of victories lately. It’s a case of too little, too late for them, though. They are out of the running for a spot in the next stage of the BBL. They are not going to manage to drag themselves off the very bottom of the log, either, so there is only proverbial pride to play for.
The Sixers and Renegades met earlier this month, when the Sydney franchise won a thriller with one delivery to spare. James Vince and Jordan Silk starred with the bat then, while Lloyd Pope and Jackson Bird were really good with the ball.
Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades – Match Preview
Where: Sydney Cricket Ground
When: Saturday, 25 January 2020
Start Time: 10:10 (IST), 4:40 (GMT)
Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades – Latest Odds
Bet365 have Sydney and Melbourne offered at 1.66 and 2.30, receptively, for victory on Saturday. A cheeky punt on one or the other team to win the bat flip at 1.90 isn’t a bad bet either.
Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades – Team News
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has come into the Sixers squad at the expense of Ben Manenti. The Sixers continue to appreciate the return of Steven Smith, who has joined the BBL after being with Australia in India for the ODI series. They’ve also got Nathan Lyon, who’ll likely be partnered by fellow spinner Steve O’Keefe at a ground traditionally good for slow bowling.
The Sixers won’t likely get Bird, Hazlewood, Ben Dwarshuis and Tom Curran into the XI. Dwarshuis can offer a bit with the bat, too, so Bird will probably be sidelined. It’ll be up to Curran to spearhead the seam attack again. He’s been solid in the tournament, mixing good pace with clever slower balls from the back of the hand.
Kane Richardson and Aaron Finch were not around long enough to stop the Renegades from sliding to the bottom of the standings before departing for India. They are back now and will boost the bowling and batting ranks, respectively. The Renegades have also drafted wicketkeeper-batsman Brayden Stepien into the squad as a replacement for the injured Sam Harper. Fast bowler Zak Evans is also back after recovering from a back injury.
Evans will be a bit down on pace if he plays, but that should suit the conditions quite well. As always, there’s the evergreen Dan Christian to bowl some all-important middle overs. His characteristic cutters will be important on a relatively sluggish pitch. Afghanistan sensation Mohammad Nabi, well, will be vital with bat and ball again.
Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades – Betting Tips
Once again, several head-to-head battles await what is bound to be an entertaining clash between Melbourne and Sydney’s finest.
Pulling for Pope
Leg-spinner Pope was particularly impressive in victory over the Renegades in early January. He’s landing really good lengths and enjoying the extra bounce. He hasn’t proven overly expensive this tournament. At the very least, he ‘buys’ wickets when batsmen try to go big against him and hole out to the boundary catches. Bet365 have Pope priced at 5.00 to be the top bowler for the Sixers. These are more enticing odds than Curran at 3.25 to do the same.
Webster to pick up where Marsh left off
Week in and week out, Shaun Marsh had shown that this format is not just about bashing boundaries. But then this season’s second-highest run-scorer sustained a hamstring injury and won’t play the rest of the tournament. His absence has left even more onus on Beau Webster to do well for the Renegades. His brisk 50 so very nearly pulled off victory against the Hobart Hurricanes recently. Webster is offered at 4.50 to be Melbourne’s top batsman.
Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades – Prediction
The last five outings between these sides have basically seen them take it in turns to beat each other. There is not a whole lot in this one, as the Renegades are out of the running and the Sixers are pretty much qualified. The Renegades have a knack of spoiling parties, though.
Best Bet: Lloyd Pope to be top bowler for the Sydney Sixers at 5.00 with Bet365