Betting Tips

The 14th edition of the Big Bash League is set to get underway this weekend amid much fanfare. The inaugural match between the Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars will be played on Sunday at the Perth Stadium.

Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars Head-to-Head Record

The two teams have faced each other in 23 matches to date. The Scorchers are the dominant side with 14 wins compared to 8 for the Stars.

Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars Live-streaming and Broadcast

This match will be live-streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar App. You can also watch it live on the Star Sports Network.

PS vs MS Team Previews

Perth Scorchers

The Scorchers are the most successful franchise in the history of BBL and have lifted the title on 5 occasions. In the previous edition, the team did manage to reach the playoffs but was knocked out by Adelaide Strikers.

As they begin a fresh journey, the Scorchers will look to gain an early advantage.

The top-order batting was one of the weaknesses for the Perth Scorchers last year and they have tried to bolster it with the blockbuster signing of Finn Allen, who has a reputation of playing the big shots. He is likely to be joined by Sam Fanning in the opening slot.

However, injuries to the regular middle-order batsmen Aaron Hardie and Ashton Turner have left a bit of a dent. That means Josh Inglis will play a key role during the middle and death overs.

The Scorchers have also signed up Keaton Jennings and Matty Hurst in a bid to strengthen the batting.

The spin department is likely to suffer in the absence of Cooper Connolly and Ashton Agar, both of whom are nursing injuries. The pace department is pretty strong though in the presence of Andrew Tye, Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, and Mahli Beardman.

Perth Scorchers Expected Playing 11

Melbourne Stars

The Melbourne Stars are one of only two teams in the BBL that have yet to lift the coveted trophy. They finished 6th on the points table in the previous season but will look to make a positive start this time around.

However, at the outset, the Melbourne Stars are battling availability issues for the opening fixture. Glenn Maxwell will miss this match due to an injury, while international stars including Scott Boland, Usma Mir, Beau Webster, and Ben Duckett are all on international duties and will be unavailable for selection.

Marcus Stoinis will lead the team and will play an important role in the middle order as well as in the pace department. He will have the support of Tom Curran, Hilton Cartwright, and Tom Rogers lower down the order.

Joe Clarke will likely open the batting alongside Sam Harper and together, the duo will look to give the team a brisk start. In the bowling department, Adam Milne, Peter Siddle, and Joel Paris will be the 3 seamers while youngster Hamish McKenzie will be the specialist spinner.

Melbourne Stars Expected Playing 11

PS vs MS Toss Prediction

The team winning the toss will likely opt to bat first. Getting a score on the board is generally seen as an advantage at the Perth Stadium.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the Perth Stadium is usually flat and hard, offering excellent pace and bounce. The quicker bowlers will get some help early on but any loose deliveries will be punished. The team batting first will aim for the 200-run mark. The surface doesn’t change much through the game but it may slow down a bit in the second half.

The weather will remain pleasant with temperatures of around 20 degrees.

PS vs MS Betting Tips

Both teams aren’t 100% due to the unavailability of key players. Looking at the on-paper strengths, we feel that the Perth Scorchers have an advantage here thanks to an explosive batting unit and an experienced pace attack.

Bet on Perth Scorchers to win.