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Melbourne Stars will host Perth Scorchers in the 12th match of the Big Bash League 2022-23 at Junction Oval on December 23rd. So, let’s take a look at our preview of the match and predictions for it.
Prediction 1
Toss Prediction - Perth Scorchers
9/10 (1.90)
Prediction 2
Man of the Match - Jhye Richardson
9/1 (10.00)
Prediction 3
Highest Score 1st Six Overs -Scorchers
8/11 (1.73)
These odds from Bet365 were correct at the time of writing.
Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers – Betting Picks and Tips
Contents
Perth Scorchers have enjoyed an edge over Melbourne Stars as far as their history is concerned. They have faced each other in 20 matches, of which Scorchers have won 11 while Stars have claimed 8. Scorchers might have lost their previous fixture but they do have a better line-up on paper compared to the Stars. Our betting prediction for the winner of this match would be Perth Scorchers at 7/10 (1.70).
The match will witness several top players in action from both the sides. Scorchers have the likes of Faf du Plessis, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Jhye Richardson and Andrew Tye while Melbourne Stars will be relying on Joe Clarke, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Luke Wood, Trent Boult and Nathan Coulter-Nile to make an impact.
English import Joe Clarke is coming off an outstanding 101* off 66 in the previous outing versus Hobart Hurricanes. He also has one fifty at this venue in his solitary innings. You can back him at 5/1 (6.00) on Bet365 to be the top batter in the match.
Leg-break bowler Adam Zampa is amongst the best in the business. Zampa picked 2 for 27 in the first game versus Sydney Thunder and followed it up with 3 for 27 against Hobart. Considering Scorchers’ struggles against spin bowling, Zampa can have a significant impact.
From the Scorchers side, Faf du Plessis has looked in good touch in recent times. He scored 32 off just 16 in the previous match and can be a good bet to be the run-scorer for Perth.
Jhye Richardson is coming off an excellent spell versus Hobart, where he picked 3 for 26 in four overs. Earlier, he snared 4 wickets for just 6 runs in the first game against Sydney Sixers. You can back Richardson at 7/2 (4.50) on Bet365 to be Perth Scorchers’ best bowler.
Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers Preview
Both teams have one win and one loss in Big Bash League so far, so we expect an interesting game. Let’s check both teams out in more detail now:
Melbourne Stars Preview
Adam Zampa-led Melbourne Stars have played two matches in the ongoing edition of the BBL, winning one and losing one. After losing the opening game versus Sydney Thunder by just one wicket on the final ball, the Stars made a terrific comeback to hammer Hobart Hurricanes by 38 runs. Joe Clarke starred with a century while bowlers did their job to clinch the match.
Talking about their squad strength, Melbourne Stars have a fantastic bowling attack that comprises the pace attack of Trent Boult, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Luke Wood alongside leg-spinner Zampa. Their batting unit, on the other hand, is heavily dependent on Joe Clarke and Marcus Stoinis. The rest of the unit either lacks quality or experience. Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin and Beau Webster need to step up in the absence of Glenn Maxwell.
Melbourne Stars’ bowling attack is their biggest strength and they will hope it delivers again. If there is any grip available for spinners, Adam Zampa should strangle the Scorchers. They will also need Joe Clarke, who is coming off a century, at the top of his game.
Predicted XI: Joe Clarke (wk), Thomas Rogers, Nick Larkin, Marcus Stoinis, Beau Webster, Hilton Cartwright, Campbell Kellaway, Luke Wood, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Trent Boult, Adam Zampa (captain).
Perth Scorchers Preview
The defending champions Perth Scorchers started their campaign with a comfortable 38-run victory over Sydney Sixers but went down by six runs in the second game against Hobart Hurricanes. Chasing 173, Scorchers were in a winning position with 36 needed off the last five overs with four wickets in hand. But they lost wickets in a cluster at the back end and eventually lost the game.
Despite the loss of Mitchell Marsh, Laurie Evans, Phil Salt and Tymal Mills ahead of the season, Perth Scorchers have managed to compile a strong playing XI. Adam Lyth and Faf du Plessis form a solid opening pair while Josh Inglis, Ashton Turner and Aaron Hardie are crucial in the middle order. Their bowling attack is one of the best in the tournament, with a lethal and versatile pace combination of Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, Andrew Tye and Hardie.
Having a more all-round squad compared to the most teams in the competition gives Scorchers an advantage. Spin attack is perhaps their only weakness but the Stars do not have any left-hand batters barring Rogers to take advantage of it. Their batting against spin could also be a concern.
Predicted XI: Adam Lyth, Faf du Plessis, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis (wk), Ashton Turner (captain), Aaron Hardie, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Hatzoglou
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Only one men’s T20 has been played at Junction Oval, which was in the previous edition of the BBL and between these two teams. Scorchers smashed 180 while batting first and won the game by 50 runs. There have been a total of 46 matches held here in women’s cricket, with an average first innings score of 145.
A fresh pitch means it should be decent for batting. The new ball bowlers might get some movement upfront but it should be a good-scoring match. As for the weather, the early forecast suggests the match should go ahead without any interruption. The weather in Melbourne is expected to be sunny and pleasant on Friday afternoon, with very little 5% chance of precipitation.
Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers FAQ
- When will the match be played? – The match will be played on Friday, December 23, at 4:30 am GMT.
- Where will the game be held? – The game will be held at Junction Oval, Melbourne
- Who is the favourite to win? – Perth Scorhers are the favourites to win at 7/10 (1.70) odds.
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