Betting tips for the BBL Boxing Day clash – Perth vs. Brisbane

WHILE Boxing Day in Australia is synonymous with test cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the focus will shift once the sun goes down to the big BBL clash between the Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat.

The Scorchers host the Heat at the WACA, with both teams looking for their first win of the new Big Bash season after disappointing starts.

The Scorchers’ three-peat campaign did not start as they would have envisioned, falling to the Adelaide Strikers at the WACA by four wickets on Monday night.

Perth were able to set a respectable 150 for the Strikers, but their bowlers were unable to contain their South Australian counterparts; who reached the target in the final over of the match.

None of the Scorchers’ key bowlers were able to contain the Strikers to less than a run a ball, and with only single wicket-takers across the board, Perth were unable to make the required impact with the leather.

The Brisbane Heat fell in their last outing, losing to the Hurricanes in Hobart by 20 runs on Tuesday night.

The Heat were put on the back foot by Hurricane wicket-keeper Tim Paine, who hit a blistering 87 of 58 balls en route to giving the visitors an imposing 184 run target.

Despite impressive knocks from Jason Floros (42 off 23) and Nathan Reardon (41 off 32) the Heat failed to surpass the ‘Canes score – losing their second game from two outings in BBL|05.

Compound this loss with the fact they dropped their first Big Bash match against the Melbourne Renegades despite scoring an imposing 180, panic could be starting to set in up in the sunshine state.

With both teams anchored towards the bottom of the Big Bash ladder a win on Saturday could be the catalyst either side needs to drive towards the top of the ladder.

Players to watch

Perth Scorchers

Michael Klinger

The man that the Scorchers need to amass a big total at the top of the innings is Michael Klinger.

Last season’s top run scorer for the entire league failed to make a huge impact in his opening dig in BBL|05, scoring just 19 runs from 18 balls against the Strikers at the WACA.

Big things are expected of Klinger after his stellar season last time out and the Scorchers will be hoping the 35-year-old can deliver a Boxing Day gift in Perth on Saturday night.

Michael Klinger is at $3.40 with Sportsbet to be the top run scorer for the Scorchers on Saturday

Brisbane Heat

Nathan Reardon

The left-handed Nathan Reardon has been a revelation at the bottom of the order for the Heat thus far, averaging 34.5 across the opening two games, striking at a healthy 127.5.

Reardon has the ability to adjust his game according to how the situation above him pans out – if the top order fails he can guide the innings, or, if the batsmen ahead of him get a start he can clear the boundaries.

Currently playing at his third Big Bash franchise, Reardon looks to have found his niche at the Heat, and represents terrific value in the run scorer market.

Nathan Reardon is at $6.00 with Sportsbet to be the top run scorer for the Heat on Saturday

Who will win and why

All odds provided by Sportsbet.com.au

Result: Perth Scorchers – $1.55

Player to score a 50 Michael Klinger – $3.70

Team of the top run scorer Perth Scorchers – $1.83

Six and out – hit a six and to take a wicket Jason Floros – $2.63

Boxing Day cricket takes a Big Bash turn this year in Perth with the Scorchers hosting the Heat at the WACA.

Both teams are winless so far and are in dire need of points to claw their way off the bottom of the ladder.

The Brisbane Heat have been terrific on the batting end so far, scoring over 160 runs in both matches.

The bowling end has been the problem for the Heat, with an inability to defend 180 runs in the first match against the Renegades, while allowing 184 in the second outing against the Heat indicative of poor bowling attack.

Brisbane have only taken six wickets in two matches to go with those big totals they conceded.

The Heats’ bowlers need to pick up their slack if Brisbane are to accumulate the points against the Scorchers on Saturday night.

The Scorchers have only played one match so far, losing to the top of the table Adelaide Strikers at home on Monday.

With both Marsh brothers and Adam Voges likely to miss with international duty, the weight of the Scorchers innings will be left to the Michaels, Klinger and Carberry.

Klinger especially needs to lift his game after a disappointing outing; with his paltry 19 runs a far cry from the 34 he was averaging last Big Bash campaign.

The Scorchers should still have enough firepower to get past the struggling Heat, who will remain winless after three matches.