The BBL 12 Finals kick off with an elimination final between the Thunder and the Heat in Sydney.
Best Bet
Very keen on the Heat as outsiders to keep their season alive on the road.
The Thunder have been pretty ordinary in the second half of the season, only winning two of their last six including a very narrow victory over the last-placed Stars in their final game. Their batting has been horribly unreliable and they scored clearly the fewest runs of any team in regular season, averaging 131.7 per innings including a 15 and a 62 just two matches ago against the Sixers.
The Heat have been excellent with Renshaw, Khawaja and Labuschagne back in the line-up, winning four of their last five. They scored 150+ in each of those wins including a 188 against the Stars. They’ve been the highest scoring team this season, averaging 158 per innings.
The home side may have a small edge with bowling depth but there’s a gulf in quality with the bat. The Heat’s top six should be far too good against this stuttering Thunder line-up.
Next Best
Usie has had a frustrating stint in the BBL, making a start in each of his five innings, but he’s due a big knock against his former team, the Thunder. He has a sensational record in BBL finals, scoring 20+ in six of his last seven innings. On the big stage, expect the Heat veteran to stand up.
Value Bet
Neser is arguably the BBL’s most in-form bowler, taking 11 poles in his last four innings and four in each of his last two away matches. He’s worth a play for player of the match too, as he could absolutely rip through this flimsy batting line-up.
Same Game Multi
Heat H2H / Khawaja 10+ runs / Neser 2+ wickets
