Both the Scorchers and Strikers remain mathematical chances to qualify for finals with a win at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
Head to Head
Each of these teams have been very disappointing this season but the Scorchers still have a great record at home and more of the their best team available for this clash.
The home side have won 28 of their last 34 at Optus, and even though they have lost their last two at the venue, both games were decided in the final over.
The Scorchers have the bulk of their best team available, save for Mitch Marsh and Jhye Richardson, and better depth to cover these absences. The Strikers, meanwhile, have lost Chris Lynn to a hamstring injury and Jamie Overton, who is on international duty.
The Strikers’ bowling remains an Achilles heel; they have conceded five of the 15 largest totals this season and only have two bowlers in the top 35 for economy rate – and one is part-timer D’Arcy Short. Even without Richardson, the Scorchers’ bowling remains a very experienced and effective line-up.
Stick with the home side here.
Best Bet
We’re still getting a nice line for this season’s second-highest run-scorer who has scored 25+ runs in six of his last seven at home facing arguably the competition’s worst bowling attack. Confident bet to clear the line, for higher tallies and player of the match.
Value Bet
Short has returned from injury in brilliant touch, with two fifties from his last three knocks. He has a solid enough record against the historically-strong Scorchers too, averaging over 30.
Same Game Multi
Scorchers Win / Short & Connolly 20+ Runs / Behrendorff 1+ Wickets
