Big Bash League 2019 Match 7, Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Three-time champions Perth Scorchers, the strongest side in BBL history, will host defending champions Melbourne Renegades for Match 7 of the 2019-20 BBL, at Perth Stadium. Both teams are coming off defeats in their only matches, to the two teams from Sydney – the Scorchers to the Sixers, the Renegades to the Thunder.

The Scorchers were bowled out for 131 against a comprehensive show from the Sixers. Even that became possible only when No. 11 Fawad Ahmed smashed a 9-ball 19 to help add 22 for the last wicket. Fawad was one of four men to reach double figures. The Sixers needed only 15 overs to chase down.

The Renegades did somewhat better against a rampant Thunder. Sam Harper, Aaron Finch, and Shaun Marsh had taken them to 76/1 in the eighth over before the Thunder bowlers tightened the screws, and the Renegades could manage only 169/5. The Thunder won comfortably despite some probing bowling from Harry Gurney and Kane Richardson.

At this stage the teams seem evenly matched, though Melbourne did slightly better in their first match. However, Perth’s home advantage is likely to tilt the scales in their favour.

Head to head

Perth hold a significant advantage here: they lead 8-2.

Key players

Mitchell Marsh (Perth Scorchers): There was little Marsh Jr could do as he watched his side get reduced to 29/4. Once he gets a free hand he will definitely improve on that 33-ball 32 as well as roll his arm over.

Shaun Marsh (Melbourne Renegades): It was Daniel Sam’s spectacular catch of Marsh Sr that had had led to the stagnation of the Renegades innings against the Thunder. Marsh will want to do better than that 33-ball 42.

Likely XIs

Perth Scorchers: Josh Inglis (wk), Liam Livingstone, Cameron Bancroft, Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Turner, Cameron Green, Ashton Agar, Chris Jordan, Jhye Richardson, Matthew Kelly, Fawad Ahmed.

Melbourne Renegades: Sam Harper (wk), Aaron Finch (c), Shaun Marsh, Tom Cooper, Dan Christian, Beau Webster, Jack Wildermuth, Cameron Boyce, Kane Richardson, Richard Gleeson, Harry Gurney.

Prediction

Perth to push their home advantage to a win.