Kevin Pietersen farewell odds & betting for Stars vs. Hurricanes

Saturday, January 27 at the MCG, Melbourne, from 7.40pm AEDT.

THERE are two big factors at play on Saturday night in the BBL07 match between the Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes.

Firstly, if the Hobart Hurricanes win, they’re guaranteed a spot in the finals. If they lose, they open themselves up to missing out all-together.

Secondly, it’s the last time Kevin Pietersen will play for the Melbourne Stars – or any competitive first-class or T20 franchise.

Pietersen has enjoyed great success with the Stars in his four seasons at the club, playing in three finals campaigns and leading the team with the bat throughout.

While this year has been a disappointment for his franchise and with the bat personally, he has a chance here to go out with a bang – will he entertain us with one more masterclass?

The Hurricanes need to rain on the import’s parade. After an impressive five-game winning streak, Hobart has dropped its last two matches – both in tight fashion – opening the door for the Brisbane Heat to sneak back into fourth.

Let’s take a look at the player specials for the game and find some value for punters.

Kevin Pietersen odds & tips vs. Hobart Hurricanes

If Pietersen were being honest, he’d admit that his form with the bat this season could have contributed to his decision to retire.

The 36-year-old has not been at his prolific best in the seven matches he has played this season, notching more than 50 runs on only one occasion.

Pietersen has totalled 180 runs at an average of 25 – hardly a disgrace in this format – but has simply not been at his damaging best.

So can he finish off on a high?

Let’s take a look at his odds:

• Top run-scorer for Stars: +260 @ Sportsbet.com.au
• Man of the match: $7.50 @ Sportsbet.com.au
• Top run-scorer for match: $7 @ Sportsbet.com.au
• Over 28.5 runs: +100 @ CrownBet.com.au
• To score 50+: $3.50 @ CrownBet.com.au

There’s no doubting that the bookmakers sense a big innings from the South African/Englishman and have tightened his odds as a result.

If you’re confident Pietersen has a big score in him, the $7.50 you can get on man of the match seems like real value, especially if the Stars cause an upset and win.

We really like the over 28.5 runs market and think the +100 @ CrownBet.com.au is a nice multi filler for the night.

Wicket-taker betting – Stars vs. Hurricanes

Melbourne Stars:

There’s no doubting it’s been a season to forget for John Hastings.

The Stars captain has watched on as his side missed finals for the first time under his leadership.

Of course, it’s not all the big fella’s fault, but he would be frustrated with just eight wickets from nine games and 28 overs.

In the Stars last outing against the Sydney Sixers, Hastings bowled much better, jagging two wickets to lead his side with the ball. We expect him to continue that form on Saturday night and will be taking the $4.33 for him to take the most Stars wickets at Sportsbet.com.au

Hobart Hurricanes:

Who else but Jofra Archer?

We’re sick of writing about him. You’re probably sick of reading about him.

But there’s a good reason why he’s been the buzz player of this tournament.

The man delivers.

Archer has taken 15 wickets for the tournament so far and if he takes enough in this match, could jump the Perth Scorchers paceman Andrew Tye to lead the competition by the end of the season.

Archer is paying +250 to take the most scalps – get on because it could be your last chance.