Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers: The Two Most Successful Teams in the BBL Share an Intense Rivalry

• Perth Scorchers have dominated Sydney Sixers with a scoreline of 16 wins to 10.
• The Scorchers have defeated Sydney Sixers in five of the last six encounters. 
• The Scorchers lead by 3-1 at their home Optus Stadium.

Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers Odds

Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers Prediction and Pick

The two most successful teams in the BBL, Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers share an intense rivalry. They have faced each other 26 times, with the Scorchers winning 16 matches and the Sixers claiming 10. Recent record is also in favour of the Scorchers, having won five out of the previous six clashes. They have a stronger side on paper and hold an advantage. We predict Perth Scorchers to win this clash on Saturday.

Predicted XI 

Perth Scorchers: Cameron Bancroft, Stephen Eskinazi, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (wk), Ashton Turner (c), Nick Hobson, Cooper Connolly, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, David Payne/Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris 

Sydney Sixers: Josh Philippe (wk), Steven Smith, Kurtis Patterson, Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Hayden Kerr, Daniel Christian, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Steve O'Keefe, Jackson Bird 

A Perth Scorchers Sized Challenge in Front of Sydney Sixers in the Playoffs Race

It's those two teams again, Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers clashing in the Qualifier to head straight into the final of the Big Bash League 2022-23. The two arch rivals will lock horns at Optus Stadium on Saturday, January 28th. 

These two sides had met in the Qualifier last season as well, where the Scorchers hammered the Sixers in the Qualifier as well as in the final. Sydney Sixers will be out for revenge when they meet on Saturday. 

Four-time and reigning champions Perth Scorchers topped the table and earned the rights to host the Qualifier. They bagged 22 points in the group stage with 11 victories out of 14 matches. Defeating Melbourne Renegades by 10 runs in the final group fixture was crucial for them to top the table.

Sydney Sixers, the three-time former champions claimed 21 points in the season with 10 wins and a no result. They have won five matches on the trot, with the most recent one being a 24-run victory over Hobart Hurricanes, in which Steve Smith starred with the bat yet again. 

Earlier this season, the Scorchers smashed the men in magenta by 38 runs at home while the Sixers edged out by six runs in the return fixture in Sydney. Expect an enthralling contest on Saturday with stakes raised high. 

Team News

Perth Scorchers have Stephen Eskinazi and Cameron Bancroft at the top, followed by Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis and Ashton Turner. They have been in outstanding form with the bat, although don't have a deep line-up like their opponents. The bowling attack has several options despite Jhye Richardson and Matt Kelly doubtful for the match. Richardson missed the second half of the group stage but was expected to be fit for the playoffs.  Jason Behrendorff, Andrew Tye, Lance Morris and David Payne are the pace options.  

Sydney Sixers will be delighted with Steve Smith's availability for the Qualifier. Nathan Lyon is also available but might not be picked at pace-favoured Perth stadium. Their batting unit will rely on Smith, who has been in incredible form. The likes of Josh Philippe, Moises Henriques and Jordan Silk need to do a better job. The bowling attack has Sean Abbott in superb form alongside Hayden Kerr, Ben Dwarshuis, Jackson Bird and Steven O'Keefe. 

Key Players 

Aaron Hardie has been magnificent for the Scorchers in the ongoing season. Promoted to number three, he has scored 432 runs in 13 innings at an average of 48 while striking at 143. He has blasted four fifties in the tournament. With Ashton Agar being replaced by Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie will have to share the fifth bowling quota. He has picked three wickets in the season. 

Steve Smith has been in utterly ridiculous form with the bat. He has played only four matches in the BBL 2022-23 but has taken over as the top six-hitter with 24 maximums. He has scored 328 runs at a strike rate of 180. Smith hammered back to back centuries and followed it up with 66 off just 33 in the previous game. 

How to Watch Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers

• What: Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers, Qualifier, BBL 2022-23
• Where: Optus Stadium, Perth 
• When: January 28, 2023 / 3:40 AM EST 
• How to watch: Sony Sports Network/Sony LIV (India), SportsMax (Caribbean), Fox Sports & Channel 7 (Australia), Sky Sport NZ (New Zealand), SuperSport (South Africa), Willow TV (USA), Sky Sports Cricket (United Kingdom)