Both Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades will be looking to get back to winning ways when they lock horns with each other at the Bellerive Oval, in Hobart, on Saturday.
The Hurricanes started their campaign with two wins in a row but suffered defeat at the hands of Sydney Sixers in their third match. The Renegades, on the other hand, registered a comprehensive victory against Perth Scorchers in their first match but suffered a crushing loss against Sydney Sixers in their second match. Both teams would want to regain winning momentum in this match but there will only be one winner, and the Hurricanes seem to be the more balanced side.
Team News
The Hobart Hurricanes have been boosted by the availability of Keemo Paul. He might slot into the lineup in place of a misfiring Will Jacks. The Renegades also have the likes of Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad to choose from but skipper Aaron Finch and all-rounder Benny Howell will miss out on this encounter.
Probable Playing XIs
Hobart Hurricanes:
D’Arcy Short, Will Jacks, Colin Ingram, Ben McDermott, Peter Handscomb (C & WK), Tim David, James Faulkner, Nathan Ellis, Keemo Paul, Scott Boland, Riley Meredith.
Melbourne Renegades:
Shaun Marsh (C), Sam Harper (WK), Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Beau Webster, Jack Prestwidge, Kane Richardson, Josh Lalor, Peter Hatzoglou
Key Players
Hobart Hurricanes
D’Arcy Short: He has one fifty to his name in the three matches this season. Short has been a prolific performer for the Hurricanes over the years and his contribution at the top of the order will be of utmost importance to their chances of a win in this match.
James Faulkner: The left-arm seamer has picked up seven wickets in the three matches so far and has given the Hurricanes breakthroughs with the new ball in every match. Faulkner’s role will be important in this match again.
Melbourne Renegades
Shaun Marsh: He has been one of the most consistent batsmen in BBL history and has already scored a fifty in the two matches he has featured in this season. Marshal’s role becomes even more important as Finch will be absent from this match.
Peter Hatzoglou: The young leg-spinner has impressed everyone with his performance in the two matches thus far. Hatzoglou has already picked up four wickets and that includes big names like Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Bancroft, and Daniel Hughes.