It’s gameday for the Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat, who will clash tonight at the SCG for a berth in the BBL12 Final.

Both teams have taken very different paths to reach this point, but ultimately the winner will be just one win away from claiming the title.

Draftstars have put up a heap of contests to suit every budget, so check out Josh Nevett’s DFS tips for this huge clash.

Sydney Sixers vs Brisbane Heat

Sixers Squad: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Dan Christian, Ben Dwarshuis, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Josh Kann, Hayden Kerr, Izharulhaq Naveed, Steve O’Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Lachlan Shaw, Jordan Silk

Heat Squad: Jimmy Peirson, Xavier Bartlett, James Bazley, Josh Brown (LRP), Max Bryant, Sam Hain, Sam Heazlett, Spencer Johnson, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan McSweeney, Michael Neser, Will Prestwidge, Mark Steketee, Ross Whiteley, Jack Wildermuth 

The Sixers will enter this year’s Challenger well-backed by punters after another outstanding campaign.

After finishing well clear of the chasing pack in second, Sydney were brought back down to earth by a rampaging Scorchers outfit, but the Sixers are clearly the next best team going around.

Sean Abbott (28 wickets) has been the bowler of the tournament and has taken 3+ wickets in five of his last seven games, while Steve Smith, Jordan Silk and Moises Henriques have all topped 300 runs with the bat.

Smith will be missing from the XI for the rest of the competition due to international commitments after a magical four game stint, but that concern is nothing compared to what the Heat are now facing.

Brisbane will be without three of the top four batsmen (Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Matt Renshaw) for the same reason that the Sixers have lost Smith, leaving their batting stocks in tatters.

The likes of Max Bryant, Nathan McSweeney and Sam Heazlett are in line to replace the trio, but they face a tough task to perform on the big stage against Sydney’s high quality bowling attack.

At least Brisbane know that they have their own bowling spearhead – Michael Neser. The veteran has taken 26 wickets this campaign and will need to take a bag tonight if the Heat are to take this one deep.

Fantasy Plays

Love It – Sean Abbott ($21,500)

There aren’t many uber premium options on this slate, but Abbott is my pick of the bunch. The Sixers star has hit 100 DFS points in four of his last six games, and he should be amongst the wickets again tonight at home against an understrength Brisbane side.

Love It – Jimmy Pierson ($8,800)

At the other end of the scale, Pierson presents as the best value option tonight. Whenever the Heat skipper has had time at the crease he has played beautifully, notching up eight DFS scores of 30+. Considering Brisbane’s fragile-looking top order, Pierson should get the opportunity to lead from the front against the Sixers.

Don’t Love It – Nathan McSweeney ($14,400)

Let’s address the elephant in the room first. Yes, McSweeney managed 152 DFS points against the Sixers earlier this season. That’s a fantastic return, but can we expect him to replicate it in a huge final away from home? I don’t think so. Given McSweeney’s small sample of appearances this year, it’s tough to invest over $14k into him when proven batting options are available.

Don’t Love It – Dan Christian ($8,800)

Christian has had an easy ride through BBL12, rarely required to do much as the Sixers have racked up the wins. If Sydney romps home in this one as I expect them to, I doubt that Christian will be given much of an opportunity with bat or ball, so I’m staying away.

Who Knows – Josh Phillipe ($17,300)

It’s rare to see a player averaging just over 30 DFS points priced at $17k, but that’s what we have here with Phillipe. Arguably, the Sydney keeper deserves this price tag due to his record at home, which is very solid. Phillipe has produced returns of 102, 76 and 66 at the SCG this season, however, it’s hard to look past his poor performances elsewhere.

Suggested Draftstars Line-up

 

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