Big Bash Play-off Tips: Back Sixers and Hurricanes to progress

• Sixers or Scorchers straight to final

• Starc and Smith make Sixers class apart

• Smith win-rate records revealed

• Hobart ruing late slip

• Stars vulnerable if defending target

• For Betfair's latest cricket betting odds click here

Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers Big Bash tips

Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers
Tuesday 20 January, 08.30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Perth and Sydney Sixers clash at Perth Stadium with the winner going straight to the final. The loser takes on the winner of Hobart v Melbourne Stars for a second attempt to make the last two. The Scorchers, who finished top of the ladder, are 1.845/6 favourites with home advantage.

That is there to be shot at with Sixers on a five-game winning streak. After a sluggish start they appear to be the best side in it thanks to the bolstering of their ranks by Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc. Such is their strength that they probably won't miss Sam Curran too much. Curran is due to be in Sri Lanka with England's ODI squad beginning a tour on the 22nd. Jordan Silk or Todd Murphy could come in.

When the sides met right at the start of the campaign, Perth won comfortably by five wickets. But as a formguide it is close to irrelevant because Sixers are much stronger now. Despite heading the standings Perth threw in some stinkers. They failed to defend a massive score against Heat and were shocked by Renegades at home. 

Smith won top bat for eight of his last 11 in the Bash and has passed 50 the same number of times. He has gone under the runs quote only twice in those matches. Sportsbook make him 15/82.88 for top bat, 2/13.00 for a 50 and offer his runs at 28.5. 

Laurie Evans has been an option for us on top bat at big numbers. He is often good for a win each tournament and is overdue. The new-ball threat posed by Sxiers means the 13/114.00 is a fair option. 

Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Stars Big Bash Tips

Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne stars
Wednesday 21 January, 08:30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Hobart Hurricanes can be forgiven for wondering how the hell they have ended up in an eliminator. For much of the league season they looked the most powerful team in the tournament. They were pipped for a top-two finish on net run rate by Sixers.

But they should have shut out Sixers. Their failure to get over the line against Heat in a chase is what cost them. They were cruising to victory but complacency got the better of them.

Against a Melbourne Stars team which has faltered after a strong start, they have a great chance to make it through to a qualifier against Scorchers or Sixers. There is evidence that batting second at Bellerive is easier and that plays into the hands for punters aware that Stars are a team which are far more comfortable batting second.

Throughout the competition we have noted Stars' poor record when defending a total. If the flip goes Hobart's way then they would represent strong value. The 1.738/11 before a ball has been bowled makes sense but in-play on the Betfair Exchange we will look for a choice affair and try to back 1.9110/11 Hobart in the chase.

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