daily fantasy sports articles
BBL09 Fantasy Tips: Strikers vs Hurricanes
The second leg of Sunday’s BBL09 double header is at the Adelaide Oval between the Adelaide Strikers and the Hobart Hurricanes and there is plenty at stake for both sides. For the 8-4-1 Strikers, a win here will see them leap frog the Sydney Sixers and claim 2nd position on the ladder heading into the finals. For the 5-7-1 Hurricanes, they need to win their final match here to be any chance of making the finals, and then rely on one of the Sydney Thunder or the Brisbane Heat losing their last match.
First of all, along with our famous FREE Cheat Sheets and Data Tools in our Data Tools section, new for the BBL09 season, Daily Fantasy Rankings presents the Draftstars Lineup Builder! Using our Data Tools and Projections you will be able to quickly build and import BBL teams into Draftstars by using the CSV upload. Access the Builder including tutorials on how the builder works by clicking the banner below.
Draftstars have posted a $15,000 contest for a $15 entry, as well as a $1,500 Mini and even a $200 Single Entry contest for a $10 buy-in. Moneyball are offering a $4,000 contest for a $15 entry as well as a $500 guarantee on their $2 contest.
The Strikers have really hit their straps leading into the finals and return home after a successful trip to WA where they beat the Scorchers by 16 runs. After an even batting performance got them to 181 – highlighted by Phil Salt’s 59 off 31 balls – it was also a good team bowling effort to restrict the Scorchers, led by 3 wickets from Wes Agar. That was their fourth win in a row so it is no surprise to see them keep the same squad of 13 for this match and any change to the final 11 seems unlikely.
The Hurricanes kept their finals chances alive last game with a 57 run win over the Thunder. They welcomed D’arcy Short back into the side and although he failed with the bat with a duck, he reminded us all of his ability with the ball taking a match-winning 5/21 off his 4 overs. Matty Wade continued his good form with 56 off 34 balls, while newcomer Mac Wright again impressed with 64 off 45 balls. The ‘Canes also keep the same 13 man squad for this match and it would be extremely unlikely for them to make an unforced change.
Despite its reputation as a friendly ground for batsman, the Adelaide Oval continues to serve up excellent conditions for a fair contest between bat and ball. It ranks as the second-lowest ground for fantasy scoring but generally allows an even balance across batsmen and bowlers, making it hard to target any particular position in your lineups.
Looking at the individual teams’ tendencies reveals more of a trend to follow as the Strikers are very good at restricting opposition batsmen (and opposition teams in general), whereas the Hurricanes bowling attack has shown to be gettable and they give up the second-most fantasy points overall in the competition. Given some availability issues, we should keep in mind these numbers are a little inflated and they showed last game they are a better outfit with Short and Faulkner returning to the side.
These two teams played each other last week in Launceston and it was the Strikers who prevailed with a 10 run win. Travis Head dominated with 79 off just 40 balls after the Hurricanes’ Scott Boland took a couple of early wickets. The Hurricanes always looked in trouble in the chase but got close on the back of a whirlwind 90* (48) from import David Miller, who reminded everyone how dangerous he can be when he gets going. Wes Agar took 4 wickets for the Strikers while Peter Siddle again led from the front with 1/26 off his 4 overs.
Access our FREE Data Tools for Sunday's BBL Matchup here
Batsmen
Love It – D’Arcy Short ($22,300 Draftstars)
Short is a match-winner and he showed it once again last game against the Thunder – only with the ball. His last two scores have returned 168 and 193 fantasy points, reminding everyone of the incredibly high ceiling he has that only few in the competition possess. Whether you can build a lineup you like around his salary is the major question mark but Short is one player that you must have when he produces the goods.
Don’t Love It – Mac Wright ($14,300 Draftstars)
Wright has got the job done in both games since rejoining the side and his salary is yet to catch up to his output. While his profile remains low, his average is going to be hard to miss for fantasy coaches and crunchers alike so his ownership may be spiked for someone who is still very inexperienced in BBL cricket. Against a very solid bowling attack, this may be a good spot to take the risk that he misses out here to get one up on the field.
Who Knows – Matt Short ($9,900 Draftstars)
Short is going to catch the eye of fantasy coaches with his sub-$10k salary and reasonable scoring capacity for this price, having scored 30+ in 4 of his past 10 matches. The issue with Short is opportunity – not only does he bat number 6, but he can be replaced in the order by Khan if big hitting is required. The return of Travis Head also hurts his opportunity with the ball and he hasn’t bowled for the past 6 matches so his status as an all-rounder isn’t entirely accurate with the setup of this side. If you take on Short’s cheap salary, be sure your lineup allows for a number of Hurricanes wickets to give him his chance.
Bowlers
Love It – Peter Siddle ($14,800 Draftstars)
Siddle remains very reasonably priced given his consistency and the three figure ceiling he has flashed at times. Siddle especially enjoys bowling on his home ground with returns of 4/33 and 3/14 in two of his last three games here. He was the best of the Strikers bowlers in the game in Launceston and looks a leading bowling option here.
Don’t Love It – Billy Stanlake ($10,500 Draftstars)
Stanlake proved the doubters wrong over in Perth (such as me) with a very important 3 over spell, taking 2/20. Interestingly he was the 6th bowler used there which indicates he didn’t really have the full confidence of his captain but his return was excellent at his cheap salary. We may see his ownership boosted by this recent result as people try and cram the stars into their lineups but against a strong batting lineup that enjoys pace, it is very possible Stanlake returns to his miniscule fantasy scoring ways.
Who Knows – Qais Ahmad ($16,100 Draftstars)
Ahmad has really flattened out with his performances since bursting onto the scene. His fantasy score of 54 two games ago against the Renegades was his highest across his past 10 matches, which is not enough output at this salary. Expect his ownership to be low given his recent history and all the expensive options on this slate, but if you’re looking for a point of difference he does have the ability to be the leading scorer among the Hurricanes bowlers at least.
Always remember to gamble responsibly. When the fun stops, stop. If gambling is having a negative impact on your life, seek support at Gambling Help Online. 18+ only.