Cricket T20 Big Bash League - Hurricanes v Heat & Stars v Thunders Preview & Betting Tips

• Hobart Hurricanes v Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder
• KFC Big Bash League 12
• Wednesday January 25, 2023 (2.40am - 8.15am UK)
• UTAS Stadium, Launceston and the Melbourne Cricket Ground

I was fully expecting Sydney Thunder to put in a much more consistent showing through this BBL, but alas no. It has been the polar opposite.

That my early title suggestion is still alive is quite remarkable when they have been bowled out for 15 to lose by 124 runs added to further defeats by nine wickets and 125 runs.

They are battling for the last finals spot. Thunder hold fifth place on 12 points with an inferior net run-rate (the separator) to the Hurricanes, who are seventh on 10 points.

A win for the Hurricanes would leave the Thunder needing a point to qualify and join the Scorchers, Sixers, Heat and Renegades in the finals.

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Hobart Hurricanes v Brisbane Heat, Launceston

I previewed the reverse fixture last week when the Hurricanes were favourites. I thought the Heat, who were just starting to get on a roll would win, and they did.

It was the third of four wins on the trot for the Heat, who have now qualified for the latter stages. Tomorrow’s hosts, however, have lost three in a row to slip to second bottom in the table.

They can still qualify with a win, but it surprises me they are 4/5 favourites.

The value undoubtedly lies with the Heat here, who are 11/10 to claim the win with a host of firms, including William Hill.

Nathan Ellis has claimed 18 wickets for the Hurricanes, including two four-wicket hauls and two two-fors. He is 6/4 with bet365 to take over 1.5 wickets in this match. That, for a quality bowler who bowls at the death, is something I would be very keen on.

Graham Hardcastle's Cricket Tips

Hobart Hurricanes v Brisbane Heat

Top quality bowler Nathan Ellis can get a couple of wickets

Get 6/4 on Nathan Ellis to take Over 1.5 Wickets at bet365

At 6/4 a £10 bet would return £25

Cricket Big Bash League

January 25, 2023

2:40 am GMT

Hobart’s England Test opener Zak Crawley has had a useful campaign - 182 runs in seven games with scores of 54, 49 and 30 from number four. He has only failed to reach double figures once.

The Hurricanes haven’t been as dominant with the bat as you would expect looking down their line-up, and I think the 4/1 with Betfair Sportsbook on him to be their top batter tomorrow is worth siding with.

He seems to have found a balance between control and power when needed.

Graham Hardcastle's Cricket Tips

Hobart Hurricanes v Brisbane Heat

Graham likes the 4/1 Betfair have on Zak Crawley

Get 4/1 on Zak Crawley to be Top Hobart Batsman at Betfair

At 4/1 a £10 bet would return £50

Cricket Big Bash League

January 25, 2023

2:40 am GMT

Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder, MCG

Usually, I would be stubborn and suggest the Thunder. But I just can’t get on board with them here at 8/11. Their form has been so patchy that nothing would surprise.

I’m going to chicken out when it comes to picking a winner given we already have interest on the Thunder to qualify and maintain their hopes of winning the competition. Let’s hope they come up with a standout display in Melbourne to set them up for the finals.

Melbourne Stars’ English import Joe Clarke has had an impressive campaign, leading the way in terms of runs for his side; 377 runs in 13 matches with one hundred and a fifty.

I expect the opener to go out with a bang in this game, and I will be advocating a pair of bets at threes on his success.

He is 3/1 with bet365 to be Melbourne’s top batter in the match and 10/3 with the same company to score a fifty.

Graham Hardcastle's Cricket Tips

Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder

Joe Clarke has had an impressive campaign

Get 3/1 on Joe Clarke to be Top Melbourne Batsman with bet365

At 3/1 a £10 bet would return £40

Cricket Big Bash League

January 25, 2023

8:15 am GMT

I also quite like the price boosted 7/2 Ladbrokes are offering on Clarke (16 sixes in 13 matches) and David Warner to hit a six apiece in this fixture.

Warner, who has a high score of 26 in four BBL games with one six, has hit 411 sixes in 340 T20 career appearances. So I’d be more than happy to side with him to do better for Thunder.

Graham Hardcastle's Cricket Tips

Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder

Joe Clarke & David Warner can hit a six apiece in this fixture

Get 7/2 on Clarke & Warner to Hit Sixes at Ladbrokes

At 7/2 a £10 bet would return £45

Cricket Big Bash League

January 25, 2023

8:15 am GMT

* Betting odds correct at the time of publication. All odds are subject to changes.

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