Another domestic T20 match this evening, hoping to get some input from other cappers, particularly those who are fortunate enough to have been able to watch the matches. I'm basing my thoughts on statistics only (don't have Fox) and welcome your comments.
NSW won their first match, chasing against Qld, Hughes smashed 80 from 60 balls (Hughes is injured and is not playing today). Whilst NSW only won with 2 balls remaining, they were in command for most of the chase and the final scorecard reads a lost closer than the match played out. Next up, and setting a total of 148 at home, NSW lost to Western Australia by 5 wickets. WA reached the total with 5 balls remaining thanks to an unbeaten 45 from their skipper, despite some big hitting the Warriors top order again failed to perform (well done last night Marsh and Ronchi – really contributed!). Once again, Hughes top scored for the Blues with 35 (34) and Warner made 28 (22). In their last match, an electrifying 65 from 35 balls from the man of the moment, Warner, took the Blues past the total set by South Australia (160) with 10 balls remaining. Hughes made a neat 30 (51) in this match. Therefore, NSW have posted totals of 162, 148 and 161 respectively, at an average run rate of 8.20. Importantly, NSW will be without their opening pair for tonight's match – Warner and Hughes – and they will also miss the new ball bowling of Bracken who has bowled 2/24 and 3/38 in his last two T20 matches for the Blues at an economy rate of 7.75. Bollinger is back to spearhead the Blues attack, he has figures of 3/22 and 1/27 so far this season at an economy rate of 7.01. In the batting stakes, Katich will return to open for the Baby Blues – I don't expect too much from him in this match, as Pointing and Hussey proved last night it is difficult to adjust after the Test Series.
Tasmania only have one win in this tournament thus far and still remain a mathematical chance of making the final. They lost their first match played at home to the dominating Bushrangers by 35 runs. Tasmania were bowled out for 168 in the 19th over chasing a huge total of 203. Tasmania bounced back beating Qld next up, posting a healthy total of 8 / 184 the Tigers then restricted the Bulls to 4 / 166 from its allotted overs. It was an excellent team effort from the Tigers, with Bailey (52 off 34 balls) and Lockyear (52 off 28) the two top scorers with the bat and the 4 Qld wickets shared among four bowlers. Tasmania batted terribly in its last match as they made 128 from 20 overs against WA, despite a solid 49 (34) from Lockyear and Bailey's contribution of 39 (38) (yes, the rest of the side made 40 runs between them, 33 runs not counting byes and wides!!). Nevertheless, the Tigers managed to rattle the WA top order and had the Warriors in trouble at 6 / 89, until a 34 run partnership saved things for the Warriors. WA needed 14 runs off the final over and the Tigers lost in dramatic fashion. Therefore, Tasmania have posted totals of 168, 184 and 128 respectively, at an average run rate of 6.98. Tasmania will be without Hilfenhaus in this match, he has taken 1/40 and 1/22 so far this season at an economy rate of 7.75. I assume Krejza will return for the Tigers and he will be important, his figures this season have been 1/23, 1/29 and 1/21 at an economy rate of 6.08. It will be important for the Tigers to make a solid total, and no doubt much will fall upon Lockyear [26 (14), 52 (28) and 49 (34) so far this season] and Bailey [7 (5), 52 (34) and 39 (38)] in achieving this.
The Blues will be seeking to establish their position at the top of the ladder to secure a finals birth, and Tasmania will be seeking to maintain their slim chance. The teams have met twice in the Ford Ranger Cup this season with NSW winning the first match easily (by 9 wickets with 62 balls remaining) and the second match being a tie (each team making 291 after 50 overs). On both occassions the Blues were largely reliant upon Warner and Hughes for their runs: 165 (139) & 97 (54) and 55 (82) & 17 (24) respectively.
I'll be going with the slight underdogs in this match, I just don't think NSW will be able to fill the gap left at the top of the order to amount a competitive total. Tasmania have been good in the field and despite their inability to take too many wickets should be able to restrict the Baby Blues. Hopefully the Tigers have learnt from their poor batting performance in Perth.
Tasmania ML
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