BBL 7, Final, Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes: Match Predictions

The T20 extravaganza of Australia Big Bash League (BBL) is on the verge of its culmination as Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes will fight it out for the coveted title on Sunday. The former prevailed in the thriller against Melbourne Renegades and booked their place in the final winning by just one run. Hurricanes camp, on the other hand, would be buzzing with confidence after a thumping victory over the defending champions Perth Scorchers. However, the title clash is expected to be mouth-watering as both teams will give their best.

Adelaide Strikers have been unbeaten at home this season and would be eyeing to continue the record. The teams will be facing off for the third time this season. They won their respective home games only just though. While Hurricanes defended 183 at the Bellerive Oval, Strikers hit back at Adelaide Oval to make 1-1. On paper, both the teams are looking extremely strong and Adelaide will have the home advantage. It would be interesting to see the way Hurricanes counter them in the game which matters the most.

Pitch Report

The pitch at Adelaide Oval is reckoned to be the best batting wicket in Australia. Also, the five matches in this tournament so far have been high-scoring with the teams batting first scoring over 170 runs mostly. The team batting first has won 4 matches this season and expect the team winning the toss to bat first in the final as well. Another high-scoring encounter is on the cards in Adelaide.

Playing Combination

Adelaide Strikers

Adelaide Strikers will be bolstered by the return of Alex Carey who was selected to play for Australia in the ongoing T20i tri-series against England and New Zealand. Travis Head has also been released to play in the BBL final which means that the home side will play to their full strength. However, they will miss Rashid Khan as he left to represent Afghanistan in the series against Zimbabwe. Liam O’Connor will be the like for like replacement for Rashid.

Probable XI: Travis Head (c), Alex Carey (wk), Jono Dean, Colin Ingram, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Liam O’Connor, Peter Siddle, Jake Weatherald, Jon Wells, Nick Winter

Hobart Hurricanes

D’Arcy Short will also return to play for Hurricanes after making his debut for Australia in the T20 International against New Zealand. He will be back to open the innings along with Matthew Wade who batted well in the semi-final. Wade will also take over the wicket-keeping responsibilities Tim Paine will make way for Short. George Bailey would guard against making any other changes to the winning combination in the grand finale.

Probable XI: George Bailey (c), Matthew Wade (wk), D’Arcy Short, Daniel Christian, Nathan Reardon, Clive Rose, Ben McDermott, Simon Milenko, Jofra Archer, Riley Meredith, Thomas Rogers

Here’s what we, at CricTracker predict will be the final result:

Probable top performers

Michael Neser (Adelaide Strikers) | Simon Milenko (Hobart Hurricanes)

Head to Head

Total games played – 9| Adelaide Strikers won – 5| Hobart Hurricanes won – 3 | N/R – 1

Timings of the match: 11:00 AM IST

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony Six

Live streaming – SonyLIV

The prediction is for an extremely close game as the team batting first will win the title with the other team missing out while chasing.