Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers, the two most successful teams in the Big Bash League, will meet on 28 January, in the final of the 2021/22 edition at Docklands Stadium, in Melbourne. The winner of this contest will claim the title for a record fourth time.
This will be the fifth BBL final between the two teams, and both sides having won twice each. While the Sixers are two-time defending champions, the Scorchers saw most of their success in the first six editions, over the course of which they reached the final five times.
The Scorchers have beaten the Sixers thrice in this month. The two sides last met in the Qualifier, where the Scorchers won by 48 runs. They posted 189/3 after opting to bat, thanks to Josh Inglis’ 49-ball 79 and Kurtis Patterson’s 41-ball 64 and bowled out the Sixers for 141 in 19.1 overs. Ben Dwarshuis’ 29-ball 66 was the only substantial impact by a Sixers batter in that contest.
Less than 48 hours ago, the Sixers had a hard-fought four-wicket win against Adelaide Strikers in the Knockout to enter the summit clash. They rode on Hayden Kerr’s unbeaten 58-ball 98 to chase 168 on the last ball of the match. Sean Abbott impressed with ball, returning 3-27.
The Sixers will miss Josh Philippe and Jack Edwards, who have tested positive for Covid-19. Steve O'Keefe and Jordan Silk will not feature as well after suffering injuries during their last fixture. The onus will be on Moises Henriques and Dan Christian to step up in their absence.
The Scorchers, on the other hand, are likely to field the same lineup that beat the Strikers in the Qualifier. They are well ahead on paper ahead of the contest. The likes of Mitchell Marsh, Colin Munro and Jhye Richardson will be in focus.
Likely XIs
Perth Scorchers: Ashton Turner (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Kurtis Patterson, Mitchell Marsh, Colin Munro, Laurie Evans, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Hatzoglou.
Sydney Sixers: Moises Henriques (c), Jay Lenton (wk), Jack Edwards, Justin Avendano, Hayden Kerr, Jake Carder, Dan Christian, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Pick as many all-rounders as you can. Marsh and Christian should be your captain and vice-captain respectively.
- Bank on fast bowlers for wickets. Include Abbott, Dwarshuis, Richardson and Andrew Tye.
- Among wicketkeepers, include Inglis and ignore Jay Lenton.
Fantasy XI
Josh Inglis, Moises Henriques, Dan Christian (vc), Mitchell Marsh (c), Kurtis Patterson, Hayden Kerr, Colin Munro, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye.