Follow the first match of tonight’s Big Bash double-header from 4.00pm AEDT on January 18 with live comments from the game between the Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades at Blundstone Arena.
The two teams head into the final-round clash in different directions; the Hurricanes are assured a top-four spot and can seal a home final with a win, while the Renegades are propping up the table after stacking their side with underperforming T20 ‘specialists’.
A hotch-potch of players who migrated south for first-class opportunities and shrewd imports (batsman Jonathan Wells is the only squad member born in Hobart), the Hurricanes have relied on successful smash-and-bash efforts from Travis Birt and Owais Shah, then strangling the chase of their opponents with tight spin before honorary Tasweigan Naved Ul-Hasan delivers the killer blow.
Birt, Shah and Naved have been outstanding imports. Birt is the comps top run-scorer with 309 at a strike-rate of 177.58, so the ‘Canes have been playing from in front more often than not. Shah is no slouch, averaging 77.66 at a rate of a tick under 150, while Naved is brilliant at closing out the earlier work of Xavier Doherty and Jason Krejza.
The Retirees, sorry, Renegades have had a forgettable first season. Living in the shadow of Shane, Liz and the Stars, they recruited a band of wandering T20 gypsies past their best. The injury to Brad Hodge in a trial was a major blow, but he and fellow internationals Razzaq, Harwood, Manou, Nannes, Afridi and Tait have been more miss than hit, combining particularly poorly as a sluggish fielding unit.
23 year-old all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is the Renegade to watch. He announced himself with 61 off 27 balls in a Ryobi Cup match last season. He’s overdue here and will be looking for runs to keep himself in the frame for Bushrangers selection.
What do you think? What’s the secret to the Hurricanes success? Have the Renegades underperformed? I look forward to your comments on these topics as well as the match starting at 4pm this afternoon.
Throw your comments in for these questions and follow the game live here from 7pm.
BT
Guest
Afridi bowled a wide so Shah wouldn't get his 50, cheeky bugger!
Dixie
Roar Guru
Join us for the Sixers and Scorchers game satrting NOW! Sixers to bat first. Are the 6ers the real deal with their lack of power? Will the Scorchers struggle on the slower SCG? Time will tell...
Dixie
Roar Guru
Can anyone say anti-climax? A wide outside off gifts the Hurricanes the game. Birt got Hobart the momentum, Wells got out at the right time, and Shah showed some genuine class. Nannes and Herrick pick of the bowlers, both going for less than 6 an over. The result reflects the tournament for both teams, one that keeps finding ways to lose, the other doing whatever it takes to win.
Dixie
Roar Guru
Shah hits a 4. 1 off 1 for the win, field in. Expect the quicker one
Dixie
Roar Guru
Afridi bowling well, back to the Blewie ball! 5 off 2
Dixie
Roar Guru
reverse sweep for 3 first up. Now the internationals, Shah vs Afridi.
Dixie
Roar Guru
A Jaques ramp keep the Hurricanes whirling, 10 to win from the last over. Super over if they score 9. Afridi to bowl to Jaques.
Dixie
Roar Guru
Dirty Dirk back, 20 off 12 required.
Dixie
Roar Guru
Sheridan steal a six from Wells! That's what you get when you turn 2's into singles. Shah back on strike with the unorthodox Jacques in. Like a black market tradesman, Wells didn't finish his job.
BT
Guest
Also, he has terrible timing, and either poor footwork or a poor eye for anything outside of offstump. He gets most of his runs behind the wicket, and they are usually french cuts and outside edges!
Dixie
Roar Guru
Another cracker from Herrick! Those reverse innies are quality. 26 from 18 with Wells on strike. The rookie leggie back on. Here we go....
Dixie
Roar Guru
ball softer, pace off, defensive fields and yorkers. Wells bats best when they attack him!
Dixie
Roar Guru
Boom Boom got Boomed! 18 off and the 'Canes are back. 34 off 24, Herrick needs another good one.
BT
Guest
Wells' strike rate is killing the Hurricanes. It was 47 off 35 balls at a strike rate of 134, but he has only added 15 from last 18 balls to drop strike rate to 117. Too many dot balls.
Dixie
Roar Guru
Herrick concedes one from his over. 2+ boundaries an over needed for the Hurricanes. Can Boom boom strike back?
Dixie
Roar Guru
That's how you play a rookie spinner! Shah bombs McDonald downtown after Wells struggles. 53 from 36 required, 8 in hand. What can the tough stickers produce? Herrick back on
Dixie
Roar Guru
HH need 62 from 47. In the balance. Need boundaries, or poles will fall.
Dixie
Roar Guru
Plenty of wickets in the shed for Hobart, but not much more batting depth. Debutant McDonald on now with Afridi chewing his ear off. Maybe he really wants to?
Dixie
Roar Guru
Wells' 50 faster than his usual- will struggle to maintain the pace with none on the ball and field out. Shah to play leading role. Been a good buy for Hobart
Dixie
Roar Guru
Dixie strikes again! Birt misses a straight one from Afridi. Pressure on Shah now...