Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers Preview & Prediction | BBL|14 | Qualifier
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Hobart Hurricanes ended the league stage top of the tree and their reward is a home qualifier against Sydney Sixers with the winner going straight through to the BBL 14 final.
Date & time: Tuesday January 21st 2025: USA PT – 12:30am / USA ET – 3:30am / UK – 8:30am
Venue: Ninja Stadium, Hobart, Australia
Weather: Cold conditions with cloud cover and a moderate breeze as temperatures hit 17c.
How to watch: USA – Willow TV / UK – Sky Sports & Sky Go / Australia – Seven Network, Foxtel & Kayo Sports
How to get tickets for BBL|14: Click here for the latest ticket information for Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers
Hobart Hurricanes Preview: League stage dominance
Despite losing their final game, it doesn’t take away the fact that Hobart Hurricanes were brutally brilliant across this season’s league stage. After losing their opening game of the campaign, the Hurricanes went on to win seven of their next eight matches with the other being washed out, guaranteeing top spot with a game to spare.
Now though, the serious stuff starts. You have to go back to BBL 8 for the last Hobart won the league and the resulting knock-out stage ended in disaster as they were beaten by Melbourne Stars in the semi-finals. At least this current format allows them a safety net should they be defeated here, as they would then host the Challenger.
Sydney Sixers Preview: Consistent Sixers in play-offs again
It’s very rare you say a BBL play-off campaign without Sydney Sixers involved and this season marks their seventh consecutive year in the play-offs. It was also their fourth straight year finishing runners-up in the league stage after matching their tally of 14 points in 2023-24, one point behind Hobart Hurricanes.
The big worry for the Sixers is the players they have unavailable here due to international commitments. After racking up 173 runs across two innings with the bat, Steve Smith has departed for Sri Lanka ahead of Australia’s upcoming Test series. Joining him in the sub-continent are Todd Murphy and Sean Abbott, the latter set to be a huge miss for Sydney Sixers. Abbott is their ace bowler and has been a consistent source of reliability and leadership for years.
Hobart Hurricanes Betting Analysis
One of the biggest hitters across BBL 14, Mitchell Owen will be hoping to put those long levers to good use in this qualifier. Owen has not only accumulated 308 runs across the league stage (the third most in the competition), he has also smoked 22 maximums which is exceeded only by Melbourne Stars’ Glenn Maxwell. Back Owen via the ‘Batter Milestones’ market to record 20+ runs here.
Sydney Sixers Betting Analysis
Without Steve Smith, Sydney Sixers need other players to step up to the plate with the bat and replace his recent run output. It would be no surprise in a big play-off game to see Moises Henriques do the job. The Sixers captain is so often a catalyst for his side and boasts the ability to bat with patience, control but also aggression. Consider a play on him to finish as his side’s top batter.
Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers Expert Prediction
Hobart Hurricanes are playing Sydney Sixers at a good time. To face them without having to worry about Steve Smith with the bat and Sean Abbott with the ball is a huge boost from their perspective and will be felt psychologically. The Sixers still contain substantial depth down the order, but to lose such a proven performer with the ball really hurts.
Home advantage plays into Hobart’s favour with the Hurricanes boasting a 100% record in Tasmania this season. They’ve already dispatched of Sydney Sixers comprehensively at Ninja Stadium back in the league stage, ending at the time their unbeaten start to the campaign. When taking all this into account, Hobart are well worth backing to book their place in the final.
Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers Top Tip: Hobart Hurricanes to win
