Sydney Thunder vs. Hobart Hurricanes – Big Bash League, January 18, 2021

The Thunder and the Hurricanes will both be aiming to return to winning ways on Monday following a run of losses for both sides.

The Sydneysiders still sit second in the table, despite losing their last two games. Meanwhile, three straight defeats have seen the Tasmanians drop down to fifth.

I assess the bookies’ odds before giving my Sydney Thunder vs. Hobart Hurricanes prediction and betting pick.

The Hurricanes (2.15) made an impressive start to the BBL 10 campaign, but a recent run of poor form sees the Hobart franchise head into this game as the outsider.

As you can see, 10bet views the Thunder (1.62) as the favorite. I would say the bookmakers have got this one right, although the Canes are definitely capable of winning.

A run of six wins in seven games saw the Thunder fly up the standings, but the team’s progression has been halted in recent times, with back-to-back defeats coming at the hands of the Scorchers and the Sixers.

Despite an outstanding 83-run innings from Sam Billings and a superb four-over spell from Brendan Doggett (4/22), Shane Bond’s men lost to Perth by 17 runs. Last time out, they were beaten in the Sydney derby after rain reduced the Sixers’ target.

Alex Hales (54) and Daniel Sams (50*) impressed with the bat once again on Wednesday, although they were unable to help their side avoid defeat. Hales is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the competition, with 323 runs, two half-centuries, and an average of 32.30.

The Thunder’s bowlers have also been impressive this season, especially Tanveer Sangha. The leg spinner has picked up 16 wickets in BBL 10, while only two men have more.

With so many players in good form, it is difficult to imagine the Thunder losing three games in a row right now.

The stock of 19-year-old Tanveer Sangha continues to rise! https://t.co/697GdXBRTi | #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/1Py9YkkBSw

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 13, 2021

On the topic of losing three games in a row, the Hurricanes head into Monday’s clash on a three-game losing streak.

After winning five of their opening seven matches this term, a top-five finish was looking like a certainty not so long ago. But with five teams now above them in the standings, the Tasmanians suddenly have a lot of work to do.

Unfortunately, Adam Griffith’s men have already lost to the Thunder this year. They suffered a 39-run defeat to the Sydney franchise, with losses to the Stars and the Scorchers coming either side.

Having only managed to reach 139/5 after 20 overs on Tuesday, the Canes took just one wicket as Perth romped to victory at Optus Stadium. It goes without saying that their bowling attack will need to improve in order to challenge the Thunder.

Can Hobart stop the rot? I’m not so sure.

Nothing seems to be going the Hurricane’s way at the moment. The team is almost unrecognizable from the side that started the season so well, with key players continuing to disappoint.

Following two narrow losses for the Thunder, I’m backing the Sydneysiders to bounce back and return to winning ways on Monday. A game against off-form Hobart provides the Thunder with the perfect opportunity to do just that.