Big Bash Semis Strikers Vs. Renegades a Match or a Revenge

For the first time in five years, the Renegades has booked its berth in the finals after beating Brisbane Heat by 26 runs at the Gabba on Saturday night.

They booked an Adelaide Oval showdown with the No.2-ranked Adelaide strikers.
The match is going to be more of a revenge from Renegades side as they will come down to avenge their 26-run loss to Adelaide at Etihad Stadium in their last meeting on January 22.

It is very difficult to say which team will prove its worth and will ultimately lift the trophy but odds are that Renegades will take the Strikers down as shown by various sites on Big Bash Betting.

The Strikers has hit with a bad news as they will play without their Australian T20 call-ups — captain Travis Head, quick Billy Stanlake and wicketkeeper Alex Carey. It is a big lose considering Alex Carey is currently second lead scorer in BBL/07 with 425 runs at a strike rate of 143.09. Strikers’s Friday night clash will also mark the Afghanistan leggie Rashid Khan’s final game for them before international duty.

On the other hand the Renegades will lose Kane Richardson to Australian T20 honours but expect to welcome back Cameron White as captain as they plot their revenge against a depleted Adelaide Strikers.
Renegades batsman Tom Cooper admitted they had been underachievers in the BBL’s seven-year history, never reaching a tournament final.
“They will be keen to get some revenge from the other night,” said Cooper, citing the Strikers’ last-start win.
“We have probably underperformed the last few years so it is nice to be back in there — I reckon we are a good chance.
“I don’t see why not. We have got momentum at the right time of the season.”
Cooper — man of the match against Brisbane with an unbeaten 65 — said the Strikers would not be underestimated despite their big name omissions.
“They are still a good side. Colin Ingram (who hit 68 against the Renegades) is still there and he is the one who hurt us last time and Rashid Khan is a genius in this format,” he said.

Some comparisons of both the Teams
Run scored by Strikers till now-1572 and by Renegades-1586 (almost equal). A ton scored by Alex Carey for strikers on the other hand no hundred was scored by any of Renegades’ batsmen. With 48 catches Strikers is on the top spot in BBL/07 maximum catches list. Strikers Rashid khan is currently the top wicket taker in the league unfortunately he is on international duty and will miss the final.
With the stats it looks like Strikers is on big disadvantage with their two key players Alex Carey and Rashid Khan is on national duty and they have to play without them.
The other Semi Final will be played between Perth Scorchers and Hobart Hurricanes at Optus Stadium on February 1.

The Scorchers have won their last seven matches at home – including their five-wicket win with two balls in hand over the Hurricanes a little over a week ago. But this time the defending champions will be at a brand new venue, with the game to be played at the new Optus Stadium.
The Scorchers are without Ashton Agar and Andrew Tye, but they regain Mitch and Shaun Marsh, who’ll be playing their first games of BBL|07.
The Hurricanes lose BBL|07 leading run scorer D’Arcy Short in a huge blow, but they welcome back Test and ODI ‘keeper Tim Paine.
The final will palyed on February 4.

BIG BASH LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL DRAW:
* Thursday, February 1: Perth Scorchers(1) Vs. Hobart Hurricanes(4) at Optus Stadium 4.40pm local (7.40pm AEDT).

* Friday, February 2: Adelaide Strikers(2) v Melbourne Renegades(3) at Adelaide Oval 7.10pm local (7.40pm AEDT)7.10pm local.