Saturday January 28, 2017
What a contrast in wins for the two finalists!
The Scorchers dominated at home as predicted, but the Sixers have had to buck the odds again and fight through a super-over in front of a 35,000 home crowd at the Gabba.
Not the first time for the Sixers; they’ve been playing knockout cricket for the last few weeks and they continue to find a way to get over the line.
I predict the only changes in each squad will be forced changes due to international duties. Shaun Marsh out for the Scorchers, Colin Munro for the Sixers. Who will replace each player? The Scorchers may go Cartwright or Bancroft. I find it difficult to think Behrendorf will be considered. The Sixers replacement will probably come from Silk or Carters.
As stated, the Sixers have defied the odds. With the bat, Hughes and Henriques have been the standouts and they will be looking for Lumb (should open) Maddinson and Haddin to do something special if they are going to push the ultra-consistent Scorchers attack. Botha has been good down the list but it will be a tough task for the batsmen.
Bowling-wise Lyon and Botha will again play lead roles and Jackson Brid needs to break through early to apply pressure to a confident Scorchers batting line-up. Abbott and Dwarshuis have been good in the middle and death, but early wickets will be the key.
As far as the Scorchers batting goes, with Marsh out, Klinger needs to bat deep. Whiteman will play the aggressor and I’m sure Ian Bell will be thrown up the list so he and Adam Voges could well hold the key in this final. Turner and Agar may also get more responsibility.
Johnson had a night out on Tuesday to show he still has the wicket taking skill in the vital power play; so important in the T20 game! Bresnan has been terrific since joining the squad and Agar has only got better as the tournament has progressed. Tye hasn’t been at his peak but still looms as a threat, especially late in the innings.
Despite the fighting qualities shown by the Sixers over the last few games, I find it hard to go past the Scorchers. Their bowling has been so consistent and with a fanatical full-house crowd, I’m backing them to take out their 3rd BBL title.
| Most Runs | |
|---|---|
| Scorchers | Bell |
| Sixers | Henriques |
| Wickets | |
|---|---|
| Scorchers | Tye |
| Sixers | Dwarshuis |
| Match Result |
|---|
| Scorchers |
Wayne Clark gives an in-depth look at Saturdays BBL06 Final between the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers.
