Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers, WBBLT20, Today Match Prediction 20 October 2023

HHW vs PRSW Match Prediction & Analysis

The 2023 Women’s Big Bash League is here and Perth Scorchers will meet Hobart Hurricanes at Aurora Stadium in Launceston in the 3rd T20I. Hurricanes made it to the top 4 last year and suffered a defeat in the Eliminator against Brisbane Heat.

Whereas, Perth Scorchers finished at number 5 with two points less than Hobart. It was quite disappointing for a team that features the big T20 stars in their squad. 

There have been quite a few changes to the squad for both teams. And these are major changes where some key players have left the side. For the Hurricanes, this shouldn’t affect them much given that they’ve still got skipper Elyse Villani and bowling all-rounder Heather Graham.

While these two can carry the middle-order on their shoulders in the absence of Mignon du Preez, letting go of two bowling all-rounders will surely affect the variety in the bowling attack.

Perth Scorchers still have a very promising squad in spite of a few changes and will be a formidable side with an improved bowling attack.

RECENT PERFORMANCE

HHW

PRSW

HEAD TO HEAD

TEAMS PREVIEW

Hobart Hurricanes Preview

A win against a strong side like Perth Scorchers in their very first game of the season will surely boost their confidence. It will be just the kind of start they will be looking for.

In their last encounter against Perth, the Hurricanes finished with 109 for 9 batting first, losing the game by 8 wickets. They still have just the one wicket-keeper in the squad, Lizelle Lee who will likely continue to open the innings.

Skipper Elysse Villani is the impact batter in this side who’s managed to score runs at every position in the batting order. Her presence in the middle-order would be very valuable but until they find a quality opener, she could be seen opening with Lee.

Tabatha Saville is a new entrant to this squad this year and will be one to watch out for. Hurricanes have relied on Villani and Heather Graham in the middle-order for way too long.

They need Naomi Stalenberg and bowling all-rounder Nicola Carey to step up and deliver partnerships and good finishes lower down the order. The batting lineup looks deep because of these two but they have rarely made an impact with the bat.

The experienced bowler from South Africa Shabnim Ismail will be ing Hobart this year and will be a key bowler along with Molly Strano and Maisy Gibson.

Hobart Hurricanes Predicted Playing XI:

Elyse Villani (c), Lizelle Lee (wk), Tabatha Saville, Bryony Smith, Heather Graham, Nicola Carey, Ruth Johnston, Naomi Stalenberg, Molly Strano, Shabnim Ismail, Maisy Gibson

Hobart Hurricanes Actual Playing XI:

Lizelle Lee, Naomi Stalenberg, Tabatha Saville, Bryony Smith, Heather Graham, Ruth Johnston, Amy Smith, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Maisy Gibson, Molly Strano, Shabnim Ismail

Perth Scorchers Preview

Sophie Devine will continue to lead the Scorchers with a solid-looking squad. Though a key all-rounder Marizanne Kapp is out, wicket-keeper batter Amy Jones comes in to strengthen the batting department.

Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine form a strong and reliable opening duo and bring in plenty of international experience. Maddy Green, a promising number 3 batter is also missing from the PRS squad this year.

Amy Jones will likely replace her at number 3 while Chloe Piparo comes in at number 4. It looks like a solid top order and even if two of these 4 batters find their rhythm, they could get Scorchers off to a flier.

Jones and Piparo will be expected to build partnerships in the middle overs and set the stage for a big finish. There isn’t much batting left after these 4. 

Though there are likes of Amy Louise Edgar and Maddy Drake, they haven’t had a lot of exposure and don’t seem promising enough to finish the innings on a high.

The bowling attack is without a doubt very strong and will pose a tough challenge to the Hurricanes’ batting lineup. Lisa Griffith and Stella Campbell have ed this bowling attack making it even stronger than last season.

The skipper herself can deliver some tight overs and also provide a breakthrough when needed. It looks like a strong overall side that would have a slight edge in this contest.

Perth Scorchers Predicted Playing XI:

Sophie Devine (c), Beth Mooney (wk), Chloe Piparo, Amy Jones, Maddy Drake, Stella Campbell, Amy Louise Edgar, Alana King, Piepa Cleary, Lilly Mills, Lisa Griffith

Perth Scorchers Actual Playing XI:

Amy Edgar, Sophie Devine, Amy Jones, Beth Mooney, Maddy Darke, Alana King, Chloe Cathryn Ainsworth, Lilly Mills, Piepa Cleary, Stella Campbell, Lauren Winfield

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

It is a fairly balanced pitch that offers assistance for both batters and bowlers. Spinners will be crucial on this surface to restrict the flow of runs in the middle overs. The weather will be mostly cloudy with a high of 24 degrees Celsius.

HHW vs PRSW Pitch Report

Aurora Stadium in Launceston will be the venue for this clash between Hobart Hurricanes and Perth Scorchers. The average 1st innings score here is 130 runs. The record for the highest total belongs to Perth Scorchers who scored a massive 186 for 2 while the lowest total on this ground is 80 all-out by Hobart Hurricanes. In this match, a competitive 1st innings score should be something around 140-150 runs.

Toss: To Bowl

Though teams batting first have won 11 of the 19 T20s here, we reckon the two skippers in this game will prefer to bowl first. Hurricanes have suffered hugely when batting first, especially against Perth. With a strong bowling attack and a balanced pitch, bowling first should be a clear choice in this game.