BBL Moneyball preview: Sydney Sixers versus Melbourne Stars

The BBL rolls on and tonight’s clash sees an interesting affair between the bottom two teams in the tournament. However, the Sydney Sixers can still keep their finals hopes alive if they pick up the win over the Melbourne Stars.

With a $5,000 prize pool on the line, there is plenty of value for you in this Moneyball match-up. Let’s break it down by position.

BATSMEN

Nic Maddinson ($6,200)

Terrible haircuts aside, Maddinson has scored the 10th most runs in the tournament and has quietly gotten the job done in most situations for the Sydney Sixers this season. He’s averaging 28 runs at a strike rate of 132 and is decent value for money at $6,200.

Joe Denly ($5,000)

Denly has looked really promising in his first three outings as a Sixer, averaging 37 runs and looking immediately up to the level. He’s also priced at $5,000 which is very handy. You don’t have a great deal of batting options in this match, but Denly provides you with a player in form at a very decent price.

Peter Handscomb ($3,500)

Handscomb is an international quality batsman who’s opening the batting and priced at $3,500 – just lock him in and move onto the next guy. The only reason not to pick him would be if you want to go against the grain and go for a more unique line up. He’s very hard to ignore at that price though.

Avoid: None

Smoky: Jordan Silk ($4,000): Jordan Silk is still somehow averaging 52 for the tournament at a strike rate of 130. It’s just a matter of whether he gets the opportunity. 

WICKETKEEPERS

Ben Dunk ($6,600) or Peter Nevill ($5,500) or Seb Gotch ($3,300)

All of these options suck. Dunk is in terrible form, Nevill bats way too far down the order and Gotch is averaging 18 runs and is inexperienced. Again, all you can really bank on here is Dunk opening the batting which will at the very least give him the chance to make some runs. It’s hard to see Nevill and Gotch getting the same level of opportunity to score. Dunk remains the best option despite his atrocious form.

ALL-ROUNDERS

Moises Henriques ($7,900)

Henriques has had an interrupted tournament and is only averaging 17 runs with the bat so you should definitely be wary, but this is the kind of game where he could have a big night in the middle order. He’s only bowled three overs this season so I wouldn’t be relying on his bowling however. There are better options in this position, but Henriques isn’t the worst pick.

Carlos Brathwaite  ($6,700)

The big West Indian has taken four wickets in his three games so far in the tournament and has done so at an economy rate of 7.22. He’s helped revitalise this Sixers bowling attack and should continue to be their go-to strike bowler. He hasn’t had a chance with the bat yet, but is certainly capable of some lower-order hitting.

BOWLERS

Daniel Worrall ($8,100)

Who would’ve thought Daniel Worrall was the only Australian bowler not named Mitchell Starc capable of swinging a white ball? He’s taken two wickets in his three games, but has beaten the bat more times than anyone in that time. He’s also only conceding 7.8 runs per over and is quickly emerging as a reliable option for you in this position.

Nathan Lyon ($5,700)

The GOAT has taken six wickets in three innings at an economy rate of 4.92. Just pick the man.

Daniel Sams ($4,500)

Sams has taken seven wickets from six games at an economy rate of 7.91 and should never have been left out of this team. At that price and with that form line, he’s clearly a bowler you can rely on ahead of guys like John Hastings and Sean Abbott who will cost you quite a bit more money. Having said that, Abbott is also a good selection if you have the cash.

Avoid: None

Smoky: Jackson Coleman ($3,000): Coleman has taken a wicket in every game he’s played at an economy rate of 6.63. He’s worth a shot.