Big Bash odds & Rashid Khan tips for Strikers vs. Stars

THE Adelaide Strikers are making a mockery of preseason predictions.

Jason Gillespie’s mob went top of the Big Bash League table with their win over the Sydney Thunder on Sunday night.

It was a remarkable comeback performance that hinged on the exploits of a teenage wunderkind from Afghanistan.

Adelaide looked like they would struggle to post 140 until Rashid Khan and his blue bat entered the fray.

He blasted the Strikers to a competitive 158 before putting in yet another match-winning shift with the ball.

But Rashid was only one part of a Strikers bowling attack that functioned flawlessly under pressure.

That is bad news for the Melbourne Stars.

Even a bumper crowd of 60,000 at the MCG could not lift the men in green for their derby date with the Renegades.

The most disappointing aspect of the night was the lack of urgency or intent.

Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell batted out the last seven overs for 51 runs when the Stars had wickets to burn.

Things only got worse when the ever-reliable Michael Beer was blasted out of the attack in only the second over.

Jackson Coleman excelled on debut with 1/22 from four overs, but otherwise it was a miserable night for the winless Stars.

Even a victory at Adelaide Oval might not be enough to keep their slim Big Bash finals hopes alive.

Rashid Khan odds and specials

Man of the match	–	+800	+600
Top Strikers wicket-taker	+200	+225	+200
Top Strikers runscorer	+4000	+5000	+5000

This guy is a one-man show who will light up T20 cricket for many years to come.

His leg-spin bowling is as dangerous as it is economical and his googly is just about the best in the business.

The Afghani teen is also an enterprising lower-order hitter who can make the difference between a modest total and a competitive one.

All of that and his pugnacious attitude were on full display in the win at Spotless Stadium on Sunday.

Back-to-back MOTM awards are certainly not out of the question.

Best bets for Strikers vs. Stars

• Colin Ingram top batsman/Strikers win – +425 at Ladbrokes
• Melbourne Stars highest opening partnership – +100 at William Hill

It is tempting to say the Stars are due for a result.

But how do you back a team that has not really looked like winning all season?

It just isn’t clicking and the senior players – especially KP – seem frustrated.

Melbourne’s best hope is that Ben Dunk and Luke Wright get them off to a flyer.

That is easier said than done against Adelaide’s brilliant bowling attack.

Billy Stanlake and Peter Siddle offer pace and accuracy, while Ben Laughlin and Michael Neser bring great nous and variety.

Then there is Rashid – maybe the best player in the Big Bash League right now.

Colin Ingram has found form with the bat and Travis Head will want to deliver a big one before he joins Australia’s ODI squad.

Get on the Strikers to maintain their perfect home record and go top of the table.