The Big Bash League resumes with the clash between the Sydney Sixers and the Perth Scorchers. The match is being played on Saturday January 16th, 2021 at approximately 3:40am EST, at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Defending Champions and table toppers Sydney Sixers will enter the match as slight favorites but they come up against a red-hot Perth team. Who will get the victory?

The Sydney Sixers are currently at the top of the table and come into this match in good form, having taken out the Sydney Thunder (2nd place) to extend their lead to six points. The Thunder were in a comfortable position at one stage but some outstanding bowling by Steve O’Keefe helped them back into the match. The Sixers were set a target of 129 in  14 overs after some rain delays but cruised to victory on the back of Josh Philippe’s 64 off 36 balls. The Sixers won by 6 wickets. 

The Perth Scorchers are currently in third place but have won five games in a item, establishing themselves as the most “in-form” team in the competition. They defeated the Hobart Hurricanes in their last match, restricting them to just 139/5 in their 20 overs before Jason Roy and Liam Livingston put on 123 for the first wicket, allowing them to stroll to victory. by nine wickets. Roy was the top scorer with 74 not out. They will take confidence in the fact that they comprehensively defeated the Sixers in their last outing by 68 runs. 

This match is perhaps too close to call, between arguably the top two teams in the competition at the moment. Both teams are full of confidence and have strong bowling and batting attacks. I am going to pick the Perth Scorchers to win a close and thrilling contest. They are riding high on a five game winning streak, including a win over the Sixers and I believe that will be enough to get them over the edge. The pitch in Canberra has traditionally favoured the batsmen and Perth’s batsmen seem to be in very good nick. Perth Scorchers to win.