Sydney Sixers v Hobart Hurricanes BBL Tips, Predictions and Preview

Gary Emmerson:

Hobart Hurricanes need a win to boost their playoff hopes in the Big Bash League when they travel to Sydney to take on the high-flying Sydney Sixers on Thursday.

The Sixers have 12 points from nine matches (W6, L3) and are comfortably placed in the race for the playoff. Although the Sixers were beaten by the Stars in their last match, they have won five straight prior to that loss.

The Hurricanes have six points from their nine fixtures (W3, L6) and are second from bottom in the standings. Their recent form, however, is three straight losses, which is a concern heading into the business end of the season.

Sydney Sixers

Batting hasn’t been Sixers’ forte, with just two players aggregating 200+ in the season. Josh Philippe (270 runs, SR 128.57) is the only Sixers’ batsman to score individual 50 and remains their best hope. Only Daniel Hughes (205 runs, SR 132.25) has provided consistent support.

With three of their regular bowlers picking up at least 10 wickets, this season hasn’t been much better for the Sixers with the ball. However, only Lloyd Pope with an ER of 7.14 has been able to bring some control to proceedings.

Hobart Hurricanes

The Hurricanes are dearly missing D’Arcy Short and that is showing up in their results. Caleb Jewell (171 runs, SR 110.32) remains their hope to recreate some of the batting magic at the top of the order.

Bowling wise, the Hurricanes are also devoid of leaders after Riley Meredith’s injury. Qais Ahmad remains their best bowler with 11 wickets, while Scott Boland is trying his best to bring his experience to the fore (seven wickets, ER 7.68).

Match Up

The Sixers lost their previous match, but have otherwise been very good in the tournament. The Hurricanes are struggling to hold their own in the wake of Short’s departure to national duty and are looking lost for ideas. Incidentally, the Hurricanes won the reverse fixture by 25 runs, reducing the Sixers to 104. A repeat looks highly unlikely, considering how the fortunes and form of the two sides has gone in opposite directions since that match.

History & Statistics

  • The Sixers have won three of their last five H2Hs at this venue.
  • The Sixers have won four of the five H2Hs when they won the toss.
  • The Sixers have conceded 3.63 sixes per game this season, the best among all sides.
  • The Hurricanes have won five of the six H2Hs when they won the toss.
  • The Hurricanes have won four of their last five matches against the Sixers.

Key Players

Philippe has been in good form for the Sixers, although consistency remains a concern for him. If he can put up a big score, the Sixers will be able to chalk up a vital win.

The Hurricanes will be looking towards Ahmad to repeat his heroics from the reverse fixture. Will the Afghan spinner be able to do more flips?

Tips