BBL 2023-24, HUR vs REN | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Melbourne Renegades have won three matches so far in the ongoing season. (AP)

In the 13th match of the Big Bash League 2023, scheduled for Saturday, December 23, a winless Hobart Hurricanes will face another struggling team, the Melbourne Renegades, at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.

With a head-to-head record of 9-8, the Hurricanes hold a slight advantage. However, a closer look reveals a compelling narrative of two distinct eras. The Renegades dominated Hobart Hurricanes from the first season to the eighth, securing victory in 6 out of 8 fixtures. Post-2018, the tide turned, with Hurricanes winning 7 out of the last 9 encounters. The Hurricanes maintain a slight advantage at the Bellerive Oval as well. In the nine games played at the venue, the Hurricanes emerged victorious in five, while the Renegades won four.

HUR vs REN: Team Previews

Hobart Hurricanes

Hurricanes are winless in the tournament so far. (X.com)

The Hurricanes find themselves in a challenging position after suffering two consecutive losses. Their opening game against Sydney Strikers proved disappointing as the middle-order batsmen failed to capitalize on the strong start provided by the openers. A flurry of wickets ensued, and the scoring rate plummeted, resulting in a below-par total of 135.

In the next match against Perth Scorchers, both the top and middle order struggled, but resilient lower-order batting allowed Chris Jordan to unleash a quickfire 59 off 20 balls. Choosing to bat first and scoring 47/5 in 8 overs was deemed unacceptable, but thanks to the lower-order resilience, they finished with a competitive total of 172. However, the momentum swung away as their bowlers struggled against a formidable partnership between Aaron Hardie and Zak Crawley, resulting in a blistering 150+ partnership for the second wicket in almost 14 overs.

Playing at home, the Hurricanes face the imperative task of improving both their batting and bowling performances. Key contributions are needed from batsmen like Ben McDermott, Tim David, and Corey Anderson, particularly as their underperforming bowling unit must find ways to make regular breakthroughs and curtail opposition scoring.

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Melbourne Renegades

Kane Richardson and Aaron Finch must step up for the Renegades. (X.com)

The Renegades have played three games in the current season, losing two and having one called off. In their season opener, they fell short in the last over against Sydney Sixers. The second match against Perth Scorchers was called off due to a dangerous pitch at Geelong, and Brisbane Heat won the last game by six wickets.

The current Renegades squad appears much stronger, with explosive batters such as Quinton De Kock, Jordan Cox, and Jake Fraser-McGurk, along with new recruits Adam Zampa and Mujeeb Ur Rahman bolstering the bowling attack. Securing a win is crucial for the Renegades to kickstart their campaign and avoid a situation where they must mount a significant comeback with only a handful of matches remaining to reach the playoffs.

While it may not be the ideal start to their campaign, the Renegades can find solace in the fact that their upcoming fixtures present more favorable opportunities. Having faced heavyweight teams like Sixers, Scorchers, and Heat early on, they can now breathe a big sigh of relief, knowing that their draw can only get easier from this point onward.

HUR vs REN: Match Details & Live Streaming

HUR vs REN: Bellerive Oval Pitch Report

The Bellerive Oval pitch is expected to be competitive, offering opportunities for both batters and bowlers. Batters can rely on the pace and bounce of the wicket, while bowlers who consistently hit a hard length at the start may find some assistance. However, spinners are unlikely to receive significant support from the pitch.

HUR vs REN: Probable Playing XIs

Hobart Hurricanes: Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott (wk), Sam Hain, Tim David, Corey Anderson, Nikhil Chaudhary, Mitchell Owen, Chris Jordan, Patrick Dooley, Nathan Ellis (C), Billy Stanlake.

Melbourne Renegades: Quinton de Kock (WK), Joe Clarke, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Nic Maddinson (C), Aaron Finch, Jon Wells, Will Sutherland, Tom Rogers, Kane Richardson, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Adam Zampa

HUR vs REN: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

HUR vs REN: Winner Prediction

Both teams will be eager to secure their first victory. However, despite their shared struggles, the Renegades, due to the balance of their team, will start as marginal favorites over the hosts.

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