Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades Prediction & Match Preview – BBL 26th Match

Perth Scorchers have found their rhythm as the season has gone on. They have won four of six games, sit second in the table and come into this match on three straight wins. Aaron Hardie is at the heart of that success with 176 runs from six innings, and with Finn Allen unavailable, captain Ashton Turner and Cooper Connolly, who have both passed 160 runs, will be expected to step up. Mitchell Marsh also looks back to his best after a century against Hobart.

In the bowling, Joel Paris has 10 wickets from six games at 8.60 an over, Connolly and Brody Couch have shared 12, and Hardie has seven.

Melbourne Renegades have two wins and three losses and feel the pressure near the bottom of the table, although a recent win over the Stars could give them a lift. Tim Seifert’s attacking starts have set the tone, Josh Brown has backed him up, and Oliver Peake and Mohammad Rizwan have each passed 90 runs. Gurinder Sandhu has 10 wickets, though at an economy of 9.88, and Jason Behrendorff and Will Sutherland have combined for nine. The rest of the attack will need to apply more consistent pressure against a strong Scorchers side.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Perth Stadium is known for pace and lively bounce, which can make life hard for batters early on. Fast bowlers get movement off the seam and extra carry, often putting top orders under pressure in the powerplay. Once batters adjust, the true surface and quick outfield make strokeplay easier. Spinners usually get limited turn and rely on accuracy and variation, helped by the large boundaries. Teams generally prefer to bat first and post a strong total.

Weather

Around 4:15 pm local time on 7 January Perth is expected to be warm and dry, with temperatures in the mid to high 20s °C, mostly clear to sunny skies and very little chance of rain. A light to moderate breeze is unlikely to affect play significantly.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 170–185
• 2nd innings: 165–180

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