When building your team for the BBL 14 Finals, there are a few important strategies to consider. The matchups, conditions, and recent form of players all play a crucial role in determining who will score big.
Let’s discuss some strategies below that I believe are key in moulding your positional selections.
Ground & Matchup Trends
Game 1: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
Run Fest: In BBL 2024/25, the average score across 6 innings at the SCG is 193. This is 65 more runs per match than at Ninja Stadium, signalling a potential high-scoring game.
Team Dynamics: The Sydney Sixers tend to lose an average of 3.33 wickets per match, while they take an average of 7.67 wickets.
Head-to-Head at SCG: In the 11 completed matches between the Sixers and Thunder at the SCG, the Thunder have only won twice.
Spin vs Pace: While spin has been the most economical this season, wickets have been shared between both pace and spin.
Takeaways for Game 1:
Select top-order batters from both teams to maximize potential runs.
Avoid Thunder bowlers, given their historically poor record at the SCG.
Limit selections of middle and lower-order batting all-rounders.
Back the Sixers to win, considering their stronger record at the SCG, and opt for more of their players, especially given the double chance advantage.
Game 2: Ninja Stadium, Hobart
Home Advantage: The Hobart Hurricanes have been unbeatable at home this season, making them the favourites.
Hobart's Bowling Strength: The Hurricanes have taken the most wickets in 5 out of their last 6 games, with the exception of the Qualifier.
Pitch Conditions: The short square boundaries at Ninja Stadium reward big hitters, making this a potential high-scoring affair for those with power-hitting ability.
Pace and Wickets: Taking wickets vs Hobart have proven to come from one frontline pace bowlers or their spinners
Takeaways for Game 2:
If you believe the Hurricanes will win, back more of their players in your squad.
Select all-rounders from this match to maximize points, as they contribute both with the bat and ball.
Focus on big hitters who are comfortable on the short square boundaries, as they are likely to capitalize on the scoring opportunities.
Hobart’s seamers, along with the opposition spinners, will play a crucial role in limiting scoring opportunities.
BBL 14 Finals: Player Selection Tips
To build a winning squad for the BBL 14 Finals, you need to carefully consider your options across different player categories.
Wicket Keeper Options
Candidates: Matthew Wade, Josh Philippe, Sam Billings, Mathew Gilkes
Tip: Billings, batting at No. 4 in a run-heavy game, could be a great choice for scoring potential.
POD (Point of Difference): Gilkes, batting at No. 3, is a great option on a flat deck.
Fade: Philippe, has scored only single figures with the bat since GDS round 4.
Batter Options
Candidates: David Warner, Caleb Jewell, Tim David, Ben McDermott, Kurtis Patterson, Jordan Silk
Tip: Pair Warner with Patterson at the SCG to increase your chances of hitting big runs, and one of them will also carry over to the Final.
POD: David thrives at Ninja Stadium and could be a key player in the Final.
Fade: Silk, may not have much of a bat if the top order fire.
All-Rounder Options
Candidates: Chris Green, Mitch Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary, Chris Jordan, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Hayden Kerr, Joel Davies
Tip: Owen is currently one of the best strikers in BBL, and his explosive batting makes him a solid choice.
POD: Henriques has a strong batting record at the SCG and can notch up a fifty. However, he is high risk due to limited bowling output and only one GDS score over 35 points.
Fade: Green, the matchup doesn’t favour Thunder bowlers or a Thunder win.
Bowler Options
Candidates:Ben Dwarshuis, Jafer Chohan, Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith, Nathan McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha
Tip: Ellis is expected to lead the Hobart attack as captain by bringing himself on in crucial wicket taking moments. Add in his strong batting output this season, Ellis could be the top GDS scorer of the match.
POD: Tanveer Sangha has been a challenging bowler for batsmen this season and could be a top pick if the Thunder make it to the Final.
Fade: Agar, should he make the final XI, the Sixers will be blasting shots in the Power Play where Agar may contribute 2 overs. Pace opening bowlers simply get carted at the SCG this season.
Classic and Challenger Team Tips
When selecting your GDS squads, here are some pointers to consider:
Stack Your Batters: Fill the 4 batter and wicketkeeper evenly from Game 1 to take advantage of the run-heavy conditions. This locks in a double chance for 2 of your players who will feature in the Final.
Team Composition: Consider building a squad with a mix of Sydney players to maximize exposure to the double chance. However, don’t overlook key players from Hobart, as they have been dominant at home this season.
I have developed the following Challenger squad based on the strategy and player tips shared in this article:
Final Thoughts on BBL 14 Finals Strategy
One key strategy I strongly recommend is selecting two Sydney openers from opposing teams. This gives you exposure to the high-scoring SCG match and allows you to carry over one player into the Hobart game, where they can benefit from the Power Play and short square boundaries. Warner, who scored an 88* at Hobart earlier this season in a losing cause, is a strong choice and should not be faded.
For bowlers, I recommend focusing on those from the second game (Hobart vs Knockout Winner). Players like Meredith and Ellis are expected to be popular picks, but finding a unique combination of bowlers will give you a competitive edge.
Remember, these are the toughest games of the year, and anything can happen. For example, a bowler who has been struggling might take a rare 3-wicket haul, and/or the batsmen may play it safe against a specific bowler who has been on a tear this season.
Good luck with your selections and be sure to stay tuned for my Champions Trophy articles which kick off on February 19th!
Cheers guys,
Stealth
Love it Mate Great job.