#kfc big bash

KFC Big Bash League 2014-15 Point Table

The 4th season of big bash league 2014-15 point table is started from 18 December with eight teams are taking part in the tournament. A total of 35 matches will be played in the 2014-15 big bash including knockout games. Each team will play 8 matches in the competition so that it completes 32 group stage games for all participating teams.

Check: Big Bash League (BBL) Final

KFC T20 Big Bash League…

New Post has been published on http://www.sportsbanter.com.au/bbl04-round-8-melbourne-stars-v-perth-scorchers/

BBL|04 Round 8 Preview - Melbourne Stars v Perth Scorchers

Melbourne Stars v Perth Scorchers

MCG, Wednesday January 21st, 7.40 AEDT

With the top four of BBL04 now set, there is still a considerable possibility that the semi-final match-ups could change.

For the Stars, the equation is as follows: they need to beat the Scorchers by at least 35 runs or reach a target before the second ball of the 15th over.

Fireworks are guaranteed at the ‘G on Wednesday night, with equal leading BBL04 wicket-taker John Hastings declaring that the Stars will go after the desired win that would see them host a semi-final, regardless if it means losing badly in trying to do so, as their place in the semis is already guaranteed.

The Scorchers have arguably been the team to beat in BBL04, greatly due to their ability to defend low totals. Their bowling attack has been unrivaled in this year’s season, dismissing teams for 99, 115, 123 and 134, the first two scores that of semi-finalists Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers respectively.

Melbourne Stars have stormed into their fourth consecutive BBL final series after recovering from a 0-3 start. They have found impressive form leading into the play-offs and a win against the Scorchers will register their fifth consecutive victory, momentum that will be difficult to derail.

Hastings and Jason Behrendorff aside, both sides have been very impressive with the ball this season. Perth’s Andrew Tye has made a name for himself taking nine wickets at just 6.38 runs an over.

Pakistani journeyman Yasir Arafat recovered from a slow start to BBl04 to have claimed eight wickets, while the spin of Ashton Agar, Ashton Turner and Bradley Hogg has provided skipper Adam Voges with reliable and tight wicket-taking bowling options.

Jackson Bird took his time to find his best, however the Tasmanian boasts impressive stats of eight wickets at an economy rate just below seven. James Faulkner proved an important acquisition for the Stars before he joined the Australian One Day team, while Michael Beer and the Stars certainly got the better of the deal that saw promising young leg spinner James Muirhead join the Perth Scorchers.

The Stars’ bowling stocks were beefed up in their last game as fans saw the return of forgotten medium-pacer Clint McKay demand a finals spot with 2/14.

The Stars head into the clash with an unchanged squad, however the Scorchers have bolstered their bowling and batting depths with the inclusion of Test batsman Shaun Marsh and damaging short form player Nathan Coulter-Nile, who returns from a long lay-off with a hamstring injury.

Despite being called into the Australian One Day team, Cameron White and Marsh will join their teammates in Hobart on Thursday.

Watch out for: Aside from the contest itself, joint leading wicket takers Hastings and Behrendorff will fight it out for the BBL bowling crown. Both have taken 13 wickets in BBL04 with Behrendorff boasting marginally better statistics, an economy rate of six, proving his dominance in the early power play.

Another battle fans will be treated to is the race to claim the leading run scoring title. Kevin Pietersen leads all-comers with 262 runs @ 52, however don’t rule out a late charge from Michael Klinger 217 runs @ 36 or Michael Carberry 207 runs @ 41.

Don’t hold your breath: The Perth Scorchers have maintained a settled eleven for the most part of the competition, however the inclusion of Coulter-Nile will see a bowler miss out and possibly lose a finals spot they have worked so hard to make their own.

Prediction: Perth Scorchers

Teams

Melbourne Stars

Cameron White (c), Michael Beer, Jackson Bird, Scott Boland, Luke Feldman, Peter Handscomb, John Hastings, Alex Keath, Clint Mckay, Kevin Pietersen, Rob Quiney, Tom Triffitt, Luke Wright.

Perth Scorchers