BIG BASH: Our cricket tipster The Edge previews Wednesday’s Big Bash game between Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers with a recommended BETDAQ bet.


MATCH OVERVIEW:

It’s Sydney Derby time in the Big Bash as the Thunder take on the Sixers at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Although both sides look certain for a Playoff position given they top the table, this is a massive game given the bonus points on offer. When we hit the Playoffs you want to be as high as possible in the table given the layout. We have an Eliminator, Qualifier, Knockout and Challenger Playoff before the Final this season. I don’t think I’ve seen more, but clearly you want to have as many chances as possible of reaching the Final.

For me Sydney Thunder have been the best team in the tournament recently, however they do come here off the back of a loss to Perth Scorchers. Perhaps that’s a sign of the Perth Scorchers improving, however they did have home advantage and the Thunder had to chase that day when batting first is a clear advantage. My main worry was they won the toss and decided to bowl! The stats say don’t do that. Their top three failed in the chase with only Khawaja scoring over 20. Billings played very well that day, and if he can continue that it would be a huge boost for the Thunder.

I have to say the Sixers aren’t a flashy side, but they do get the job done. They got themselves into a bit of bother chasing 148 from Brisbane Heat but managed to chase it seven down. They have won a number of close games and that gives you a lot of confidence. Their mid-to-low order looks strong. This should be a good game!


WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:

We had plenty of action at the Manuka Oval now so we should have a good idea of conditions, however all the games came in December so we’ve had a two week gap. I would suggest just looking at the first three overs to see what conditions are like, however I’d expect good batting conditions. We’ve had 219/7 from Sydney Thunder here and we also saw the Thunder chase down 178/6 with their top three failing that day too. The Thunder have had plenty of experience of the conditions here, also losing to Melbourne Stars with the first inning score 169/8 that day too. I’d expect another score in and around 170.


RECOMMENDED BET:

I’d expect a pretty close game here between two good sides but for me it’s the Thunder who will come out on top and they are worth backing at 1.93. I’m a huge fan of the Thunder, with Billings hitting form in the middle order that will be a huge positive for them. They were reliant on the top three getting the runs on paper, but their lower order has chipped in. The Sixers rely heavily on their lower order and while they should be respected, on balance the Thunder have the better batting and bowling for me. They also know conditions better.

The Edge Says:
One point win Sydney Thunder to beat Sydney Sixers at 1.93 with BETDAQ Betting Exchange

View the market here -> http://bit.ly/BDQThuSix


IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:

Given the scores at this ground, I think it’s reasonable to assume we’ll have good batting conditions and your trading should be angled towards the team batting. Of course, it’s been two weeks since we had a game here so check the wicket to confirm before opening a trade. I don’t think batting or bowling first offers a major advantage here, but if I had to choose I’d bat first.

There’s a couple of team angles here to trade in-running with BETDAQ Betting Exchange. I’d be keen to get against Vince for the Sixers as he just hasn’t performed in this Big Bash – he is also probably going to be batting too slow for these conditions. The Sixers top order have been worth taking on, but I’d be supporting Christian who looks in good touch. I’d be very keen on the Thunder top order too, especially given the Sixers bowling isn’t fantastic, just solid.


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