The Big Bash Cricket playoffs are a matter of days away, and playoff spots are still up for grabs.
Perth is already in the finals, but the Brisbane Heat need a victory on Monday night to have any chance of making it.
Our online sportsbook has odds for Australian-based cricket, so get involved with the first of three BBL games on Monday.
Desperation Time For Brisbane
It hasn’t been a fine season for the Brisbane Heat, but they find themselves with a chance of making the playoffs.
The Heat have six wins and seven losses from 13 games, and a win over the Melbourne Renegades last week kept them in the playoff hunt.
Brisbane is a team capable of making a splash if it does get to play later this week, but it’s not going to be easy. Perth is the best team in the competition, so Brisbane’s experienced players will need to come up trumps.
Chris Lynn is the player that needs to fire for the Heat to stand a chance. The captain has been a mixed bag so far this season, but there is no better time to strike than now.
If Lynn gets out early, the onus falls on Joe Burns, Max Bryant, and Tom Cooper. One of those four players will need to come up with the goods on Monday night.
Perth Proving Its Worth
It wasn’t an easy start for Perth, and it looked like a shadow of its former self. However, a few weeks is a long time in the BBL, and Perth have shown that.
The Scorchers have won four of their last five games and currently sit on top of the Big Bash ladder. Their position at the top isn’t guaranteed, as the Sixers and Thunder could catch them.
However, with a Perth win on Monday, they won’t be caught and they will receive an extra life in the playoffs.
Perth have shown resilience this season, and to cap off the regular season with a win would be ideal.
What The Odds Suggest
The BetUS cricket markets have Perth as the -160 favorites, and we’re not surprised by those odds.
Perth has been the better team throughout the season, and they won’t want to lose the last game of the regular season.
Online betting account holders get generous odds for Brisbane, which is capable of producing the upset. The +120 odds will likely be taken by value bettors on game night, so expect some decent line movement.
Heat vs Scorchers Prediction
Brisbane has a chance to sneak into the playoffs, but it’s a risky bet. The Heat aren’t the most consistent team in the league, and Perth is playing too well to overlook.
Despite the odds being on the short side, cricket bettors should back Perth Scorchers to win this game. They are a quality outfit that’s brimming with confidence heading into the Big Bash playoffs.
If the Scorchers win the toss, expect them to bat first and set a total too big for the Heat to chase down.
