BBL 12, Scorchers vs Sixers: Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips

Scorchers defeated Sixers in the BBL 11 final [Source: Twitter]

On Saturday, the defending champions Perth Scorchers will begin their BBL 2022-23 campaign, taking on Sydney Sixers in the sixth match of the tournament in Perth stadium. 

The Scorchers have suffered big blows to their BBL 12 campaign, with Mitchell Marsh and Philip Salt set to miss the tournament due to injuries. Meanwhile, Laurie Evans, one of their mainstays last season, saw his contract terminated following a positive dope test. However, they have drafted two experienced campaigners, Faf du Plessis and Adam Lyth, who are expected not to let them miss their first-choice players. On the contrary, their bowling unit is one of the bests in the tournament, studded with Andrew Tye, Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, Ashton Agar and Peter Hatzoglou. 

Meanwhile, the Sixers were handed a crushing 51-run defeat by Adelaide Strikers in their tournament opener. Apart from getting an early wicket, nothing went as per the plan for the Sixers, as they seemed clueless in most parts of the game. Dependable bowlers Hayden Kerr and Ben Dwarshuis went for plenty, while Kurtis Patterson and James Vince departed cheaply. Despite getting starts, Josh Philippe and Moises Henriques couldn't convert those into match-winning scores. However, their only shining light was Jordan Silk, who hammered a quick-fire 25-ball 36. So, moving on to this clash, they would like better returns from their mainstays, both on the batting and bowling fronts. 

Match Details

Date and Time: December 17, 01.35 PM IST
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV App

Pitch Report: The surface at the Perth stadium usually offers ample assistance to the fast bowlers throughout the game. We saw the seamers getting the better of the batters in the recently held T20 World Cup encounters at the venue. So, the toss-winner will opt to field first to be on the safer side. 

Predicted XIs

Perth Scorchers: Ashton Turner (C), Cameron Bancroft, Faf du Plessis, Josh Inglis (WK), Adam Lyth, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Hatzoglou, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye

Sydney Sixers: Moises Henriques (C), Josh Philippe (WK), Kurtis Patterson, James Vince, Jordan Silk, Dan Christian, Hayden Kerr, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Steve O'Keefe, Izharulhaq Naveed

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-Keepers: Josh Philippe, Josh Inglis
Batters: Faf du Plessis, Adam Lyth, Moises Henriques, James Vince
All-Rounder: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar
Bowlers: Andrew Tye, Izharulhaq Naveed, Jason Behrendorff 

Captain: Faf du Plessis
Vice Captain: Sean Abbott

Prediction

Although Perth are the defending champions, they are missing some of their biggest match-winners. On the contrary, the Sixers have a more settled squad and will likely emerge victorious in this match. 

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