Scorchers take on the Hurricanes (Twitter)
Perth Scorchers take on the Hobart Hurricanes in Match 9 of the 2023-24 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) on Wednesday (December 20). The Western Australia rivals lock horns with their Tasmanian opposition on home turf at the Perth Stadium.
The fixture attains critical weightage for both teams. While the third-placed Scorchers strive to consolidate their spot in the upper half of the table with a second win in three matches, the Hurricanes aim to overcome a defeat in their only league outing for the competition so far.
SCO vs HUR: Team Previews
Perth Scorchers
Scorchers aim to get on board early (Twitter)
The Scorchers would've been delighted with the most comprehensive of wins over Melbourne Stars in their last match. The five-time champions got on board for the eight-team league table with a commanding display in either department.
Aussie pace duo of Jhye Richardson (2/20) and Jason Behrendorff (3/28) did major damage as the Scorchers managed to skittle out Stars for a paltry 101 in 19.1 overs.
The visitors did stutter during the run-chase with none of their batters playing a stand-out knock. However, they ultimately reached the victory post with only three wickets to complete an overall magnificent performance for the night.
Returning to familiar shores in Perth, the Scorchers would be determined to carry the momentum forward with them into the next face-off against the Hurricanes.
Hobart Hurricanes
Hurricanes strive for their first win (Twitter)
The Hurricanes will have to raise their game after losing the campaign opening fixture at home against the Sydney Sixers. It was a collective failure on their part after crumbling to just 135/8 in their 20 overs batting first and then going down with only four wickets taken by their bowling unit.
42 from 24 by opener Caleb Jewell was the only bright spot for the Hurricanes in the batting department and skipper Nathan Ellis (1/29) and allrounder Corey Anderson (2/10) their only points to savour in the bowling performance.
That will have to change quickly if the Hurricanes are to give favourites Scorchers a hard time in their own den in Perth. The Hurricanes require a lift-me-up for the tournament early and it has to come with a major win against the defending champions.
SCO vs HUR: Match Details & Live Streaming
| Match Details | |
|---|---|
| Date | December 20, 2023 |
| Venue | Perth Stadium, Perth |
| Time | 1:45 PM IST |
| Broadcast & Live Streaming | Star Sports, Disney+Hotstar |
SCO vs HUR: Perth Pitch Report
One of the fastest and bounciest tracks in the world, Perth tends to slow down just a bit for suitability to T20 format. It won't be anywhere near as treacherous it was to bat for Pakistan in the final half of the just-completed Test against Australia. The bounce shall be true and the pace off the wicket is expected to aid the stroke-making, making it a likely venue for a high-scoring BBL game.
SCO vs HUR: Probable Playing XIs
Perth Scorchers: Stephen Eskinazi, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (wk), Ashton Turner (c), Laurie Evans, Nick Hobson, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Hamish McKenzie, Jason Behrendorff
Hobart Hurricanes: Matthew Wade (wk), Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Sam Hain, Tim David, Corey Anderson, Chris Jordan, Patrick Dooley, Nathan Ellis (c), Riley Meredith, Peter Hatzoglou
SCO vs HUR: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
| Roles | Players |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeepers | Matthew Wade, Josh Inglis |
| Batters | Caleb Jewell, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner |
| Allrounders | Corey Anderson, Chris Jordan |
| Bowlers | Nathan Ellis, Jason Behrendorff, Jhye Richardson |
| Captain | Matthew Wade |
| Vice-captain | Josh Inglis |
SCO vs HUR: Winner Prediction
Playing at home and gunning for a first victory after an abandoned opening game, the Scorchers enter the contest against the Hurricanes as massive favourites. Expected them to come up with an allround performance and their maiden win of the season.
