Pollard & Ingram odds, Strikers vs. Renegades BBL07 semi final

WE’VE reached the business end of the BBL summer.

The Adelaide Strikers have earned the opportunity to host the Melbourne Renegades in Friday night’s semi final at Adelaide Oval.

After a late-season stumble against the Perth Scorchers that cost them top spot on the ladder, betting has cooled on the Strikers to go all the way this season.

Despite sitting at even-money in this match, the Renegades are shorter in title betting at $4 with Sportsbet, while the Strikers are $4.50.

Put that down to player availability.

The Strikers are set to go without three of their biggest guns for the finals – Travis Head, Alex Carey and Billy Stanlake – all on international duty.

For the Renegades, captain Aaron Finch will most likely miss through injury, but the team will get back the services of in-form veteran Cameron White – who had an indifferent stint in the Australian ODI team.

If you think it’s unfair for the Strikers to work hard all summer, only to lose their best players during finals – you’d be right. Expect availability issues to be one of the key components clubs discuss this off-season.

Having said that, there’s still a job to do for those selected to play. With a spot in the BBL07 Grand Final on the line, one of these teams will be making franchise history.

Neither the Melbourne Renegades or the Adelaide Strikers have ever made it into a Grand Final in the six previous seasons of the competition.

The winner will face the winner of the Perth Scorchers vs. Hobart Hurricanes clash.

Let’s take a look through the betting markets and find some real value for punters.

Keiron Pollard odds and best bets vs. Adelaide Strikers

Keiron Pollard is the most capped T20 player of all time, having amassed 400 games last week for the Melbourne Renegades.

It’s true that since coming into the Renegades team over the last fortnight, Pollard has been a non-factor.

In his three matches he has scored just 38 runs and taken three wickets.

The thing about Pollard is that he has forged a reputation over the last decade for delivering when it matters – and right now, for the Melbourne Renegades, it matters.

Let’s see what’s on offer for the big West Indian.

Keiron Pollard odds:

• Man of the match: +1200 @ CrownBet.com.au
• Top run-scorer for Renegades: $8 @ CrownBet.com.au
• Pollard over 21.5 runs: $2 @ CrownBet.com.au
• To score a 50+: $5 @ CrownBet.com.au
• Leading Renegades wicket-taker: $6.50 @ CrownBet.com.au

We’re tipping Pollard to finally deliver in a big way for the Renegades here.

We expect his opportunity to come with the bat. The +100 for him to score more than 21.5 runs is a great multi filler, while if you think he can contribute with both bat and ball, the $13 for man of the match is really juicy.

Colin Ingram odds and tips vs. Melbourne Renegades

Adelaide need a special innings from Colin Ingram. Without two of their leading run-scorers for the tournament in Alex Carey and Travis Head, the Strikers need everything they can get out of their South African import.

After finding some form late in the season, Ingram stands as a vital player for the Renegades to dismiss early if they are to win here. The last time these two teams played, Ingram was awarded man of the match after a blistering 68.

Can he do it again and propel his team into their first BBL Grand Final?

Ingram odds vs. Renegades:

• To score 50+: $3.40 @ CrownBet.com.au
• Over 29.5 runs: +100 @ CrownBet.com.au
• Top Strikers run-scorer: $3 @ CrownBet.com.au

Given the expectations placed on Ingram and his performance the last time he played the Renegades, the odds on Ingram have been shortened. We like the South African to put on a show and make 50+, which offers a very healthy $3.40 at CrownBet.com.au.