Adelaide Strikers takes on Hobart Hurricanes for the second time in the Big Bash League.
Hobart had defeated Adelaide by 11 runs. D'Arcy Short was the star with the bat as he smashed a rampaging knock of 72. While Adelaide's top order failed, Matt Renshaw scored a vital 33 before Daniel Worrall gave a huge scare to Hobart with his unbeaten 62.
James Faulkner delivered the crucial breakthroughs taking three wickets for just 21 runs and Johan Botha was tidy in his three-over spell scalping two wickets and conceding 20 runs.
Team News
Adelaide may not make any changes as they will look to give their top order a long rope. They will look to open their account in the league and will aim for revenge this time against Hobart.
Hobart is in scintillating form having won both their matches so far and is placed at the second spot in the points table behind Melbourne Stars.
Pitch and Conditions
The University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston will host their first-ever match in the Big Bash League. It is a great pitch for batsmen to play their whole range of shots and another high-scoring game can be expected. Hobart will look to stick to their winning strategy of posting a big total and successfully defending it. The pacers can make full use of the limited movement at the start of the innings. The weather is expected to be clear for a good game of cricket.
Probable Playing XI
Adelaide Strikers (ADS): Philip Salt, Jake Weatherald, Matt Renshaw, Harry Nielsen (wk), Jonathan Wells, Ryan Gibson, Rashid Khan, Daniel Worrall, Peter Siddle (c), Wes Agar, Danny Briggs/ Harry Conway.
Hobart Hurricanes (HBH): Will Jacks/Ben McDermott, D Arcy Short, Colin Ingram, Peter Handscomb (c & wk), Macalister Wright, Tim David, James Faulkner, Nathan Ellis, Johan Botha, Scott Boland, Riley Meredith
Key Battles
D'Arcy Short vs Peter Siddle
Short had a great outing in the last game as he scored 72 runs. The blistering left-hander is a destructive batsman and is an exciting package for limited-overs cricket. He can flay bowling attacks around the park. He is a free-flowing opener who loves to play his shots
Siddle gave away 29 runs and took one wicket in the last game. He is a tireless workhorse and has the uncanny ability to generate bounce off the track. His unerring accuracy poses a big threat to the batsmen. He has always had good exploits in the BBL.
James Faulkner vs Philip Salt
Salt was dismissed just for 8 runs in the previous match. The explosive opener is an aggressive top-order batsman. If he gets his eye in, he can play a big knock and turn the match right on its head.
Faulkner took three wickets in the last game. He used his clever variations and change of pace to do the job. The consistent all-rounder was impressive in his temperament and composure. He castled Salt in the last match and knows how to keep the youngster quiet.
Prediction
Hobart will aim to continue their winning momentum and a victory against Adelaide could take them to the top of the table. Tottering at the 7th spot in the points table, Adelaide needs a win to motivate themselves.
Cricwizz predicts Adelaide Strikers to win the match
