BBL expert tips and predictions Hobart vs Sydney

Find out if we expect market favourites, Sydney Sixers to get put under pressure by the brute force of the Hurricanes! 

Sydney have already kicked off their campaign with a winning start against the Melbourne Renegades. However, Hobart will be making their first appearance this season in Tasmania. Steven Smith, who was player of the match in Sixers’ first match, will be departing the Sixers camp for the Australia camp. This will be a delight to Hobart fans as Smith racked up over 250 runs in his last 3 BBL innings. It is likely that Hobart will be naming a full-strength squad including several Australian international players. 

Hobart Hurricanes 

Predicted Starting XI: Jewell, McDermott, Wade, Hain, David, Anderson, Jordan, Ellis, Dooley, Meredith, Hatzoglou 

Hobart holds a top 6 of raw power, this can leave them in vulnerable situations at times but it can also have the opposite effect of blowing away opponents in no time. It is important to be wary of this style of play when betting. I expect them to have fast starts which appeals in the 6 over market, Hobart to have the highest first 6 over score is 2.00 with Bet365. 
 
Hatzoglou is a new recruit from the Renegades, his inclusion will be dependent on the pitch. Alternatively, the Hurricanes will have Billy Stanlake available for selection which will leave Paddy Dooley as the frontline spinner.  
 
Jewell is likely to be opening alongside McDermott, this was confirmed by head coach Ricky Ponting. McDermott has seen great success with Queensland this season in the opening role. 

Sydney Sixers 

Predicted Starting XI: Phillipe, Vince, Hughes, Henriques, Silk, Curran, Abbott, Davies, O’Keefe, Dwarshuis, Bird 

It is certain that Steve Smith will be replaced, as he will be away with the test squad in Perth. Potentially, Vince will be slotted into his opening spot alongside Phillipe. Daniel Hughes or Kurtis Patterson will be battling for the vacant role at 3.  
 
The timeless Steve O’Keefe played a key role in the Sixers’ first win of the season. Picking up 1-29 off 4 overs, making him the second most economical bowler for the Sixers. It is likely he will be rewarded with another appearance in the starting XI. Curran and Abbott should be handy with ball and bat on a pitch which may assist the fast bowlers.

Hobart have won 3 games but lost 5 matches at the Aurora Stadium, Sydney are 1-0 at the Aurora. Sydney are 1.80 with Bet365  
 
Hobart got the better of Sydney Sixers in their last 17 clashes, leading 9-8 on the H2H.  
 
Sydney averaged 150 runs in the H2H history, while Hobart averaged just over 159 runs across all innings in the H2H. You can find inplay run lines on Bet365  
 
Sixers win 57% of away games historically, while Hobart win 52% of home matches.  

Look out for Ben McDermott who will be opening the batting for Hobart, he is in sensational domestic form and is available at 4.20 for top Hobart batsmen with PlayUp.  
 
In the bowling department Sean Abbott will be a key part of the Sixers bowling attack. He averages an impressive 20.87 across his BBL career. He can be backed at 3.85 for top bowler with PlayUp  
 
Tim David is always a batter to keep an eye out for, with his aggressive, fearless nature. He will be looking to entertain the Hobart crowd by putting on a masterclass of raw power batting.  

I believe that this match is highly dependent on the platform that Hobart set, it is important for them to have lost a maximum of 2 wickets after 6 overs. From then onwards, I will be backing their batters to score big runs as they all have fearless styles of play. However, they can easily land in trouble if they are being asked to bat sensibly on a tricky pitch - this is where I would certainly favour the Sydney Sixers.