Perth Scorchers v Adelaide Strikers BBL Tips, Predictions and Preview

Gary Emmerson:

As the chase for Big Bash League playoff places heats up, the Perth Scorchers and Adelaide Strikers will meet in a crucial fixture in their penultimate match at Optus Stadium on Friday.

The Scorchers have 12 points from 12 fixtures (W6, L6) and have won four of their last six matches. The Strikers have 15 points from their 12 matches (W7, L4, NR1) and are on a roll winning their last three in a row. When the sides last met this season, it was the Strikers who won by 15 runs in a match reduced to 18 overs due to rain.

Perth Scorchers Tips

The Scorchers have seen their form improve over the last few matches, thanks to the form of their top-order batsmen. Captain Mitchell Marsh (367 runs, SR 151.02) and Josh Inglis (382 runs, SR 155.28) remain their strong bets and have been consistent too. Liam Livingstone also aggregates 300+ runs, but otherwise the side has lacked support for Marsh and Inglis.

Bowling too has been about three main protagonists – Fawad Ahmed, Jhye Richardson and Chris Jordan have all chipped in with 14 wickets each. With all bases covered, the Scorchers would hope to pick up a win that would guarantee them a playoff place.

Adelaide Strikers Tips

The Strikers have risen to second in the standings with a run of three straight wins. They are now in charge of their own destiny, with the uber-consistent Jon Wells (406 runs, SR 133.99) lending his weight with runs. The return of Alex Carey (299 runs, SR 125.10) lends more credence to their chances.

Rashid Khan’s presence in the team (17 wickets, ER 7,03) makes the Strikers’ attack a dreaded one. While Peter Siddle (16 wickets, ER 6.96) continues to be excellent at both ends of the innings, Wes Agar’s rise in form gives them plenty of options with the ball.



 

Match Up

Both the Scorchers and the Strikers are enjoying a rise in form and surge in results. They are right back in the mix for playoffs, although it is the Strikers who are in better shape. The consistent batting form of Wells is a huge bonus for the Strikers, who still have Carey and Travis Head to bank upon. The Scorchers have also seen their chances improve, but a lot will depend on how Ahmed, Marsh and Inglis perform.

History & Statistics

  • The Scorchers have won four of the last six H2Hs, but the Strikers have won the last two.
  • The Scorchers have won the only H2H played at this venue.
  • The Scorchers have scored the most 6s in seven of their 12 BBL|09 fixtures.
  • The Strikers have scored the best powerplay score in seven of their 12 BBL|09 fixtures.
  • The Strikers have had the best opening partnership in seven of their 12 BBL|09 fixtures.

Key Players

Marsh has been leading the Scorchers with aplomb this season and another big performance will improve their playoff chances.

Carey’s recent return to the side gives much-needed steel for the top-order. He has been continuously churning out 30+ scores and will look to make it big this match.

Tips