Sydney Sixers v Hobart Hurricanes @ SCG – Friday, 18:10pm AEDT

The Sixers started their BBL 06 campaign with a comfortable 9-wicket win over the Sydney Thunder in the 10th Sydney Smash. The Sixers now hold a 8-2 record over the Thunder and will be looking to build on that performance when they host the Hobart Hurricanes, who will be playing their first match of this year’s competition. Moises Henriques was the hero for the Sixers, making an unbeaten 76 from 41 balls and got The Wolf followers the cash as top Sixers scorer at a handy $5. He picked up a side strain in the win but should be good to go. The Sixers hold a 4-2 record over the Hurricanes and thumped the men from Hobart by 95 runs in last year’s clash at the SCG. On that occasion, Brad Haddin top scored with 72 runs, while Nathan Lyon took 5/23 as the Canes were bowled out for 91. The Hurricanes have been perennial underachievers in this format of the game, with one semi-final berth in the first season of the BBL and a runner-up finish in BBL 03. They’ll be relying on their overseas players in Kumar Sangakkara and Stuart Broad to lift the side, especially in the absence of George Bailey, who will miss time on Australian ODI duty. Sangakkarra had an unhappy BBL season last year and will be keen to make amends. The loss of Ben Dunk is a massive blow to their batting depth as highlighted by his explosive innings for the Strikers the other night, and unless Sangakkara and captain Tim Paine can produce scores on a consistent basis, the Hurricanes will struggle to compete with the heavyweights of the competition.  The Wolf has plenty of time for leg-spinner Cameron Boyce, who led the Hurricanes wicket-takers in BBL 05 with 11 wickets and should enjoy bowling at the SCG again, after taking 2/25 last season. The Wolf will stick with the home side based on last year’s performance and their strong record over the Hurricanes.

Bet: Sydney Sixers ($1.67)

Top Sixers BatsmanBrad Haddin wasn’t required to bat in the win over the Thunder, but should be promoted up the order tonight if Daniel Hughes doesn’t take his place in the side. As already mentioned, Haddin top scored with 72 against the Hurricanes at the SCG last year and should be in the runs again.

Bet: Brad Haddin ($4)

Top Hurricanes BatsmanThe Hurricanes have lost the explosive wicketkeeper/batsman Ben Dunk to the Adelaide Strikers and as a result more responsibility will fall on to the shoulders of George Bailey. Bailey will be keen to make a strong start for the Hurricanes as he’ll miss time with the Australian ODI squad. He top scored with 62* in the Hurricanes total score of 91 in last year’s embarrassing loss to the Sixers.

Bet: George Bailey ($4.50)

Top Sixers BowlerNathan Lyon (5/23) and Steve O’Keefe (2/17) destroyed the Hurricanes last season and it would make sense to pick a spinner to be the top Sixers wicket-taker. Botha took 1/29 against the Thunder including the valuable wicket of Eoin Morgan and will get the conditions to suit at the SCG.

Bet: Johan Botha ($5.50)

Top Hurricanes BowlerBoyce was the leading wicket-taker for the Hurricanes in BBL 05 with 11 scalps. He bowled very well here last season, picking up 2/25 and should be a major threat to the Sixers batsmen again.