Perth Scorchers host Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League 2011-12 final at the WACA.
The Scorchers are the team in form and not only have they won almost everything, they have also shown balance in their team. Herschelle Gibbs is an obvious vital cog at the top of the innings but it is his partnership with Marcus North that has done well for the side as well.
The good news for the Scorchers is that Paul Collingwood showed welcome signs of return to form in the semi-final and with Mitchell Marsh doing an excellent job at number four, the batting has begun to come together for the Scorchers.
Where the Scorchers have been the strongest is their bowling. Brad Hogg went into the semi-final with an economy rate of 5.65 and conceded only 17 from his four overs in that game. With Ben Edmondson and Mitchell Marsh grabbing two wickets as well, it does look like things may not get easy for the Sixers.
Sydney Sixers will need to go the way they went the last time they met the Scorchers. Bat first, take on the pace bowlers and get as many runs as possible off them and then put Perth under pressure – that of the score and of a pressure final. The one missing factor in that round-robin game was Gibbs, who had missed that encounter because of an injury.
The visitors will have Mitchell Starc bowling for them, a luxury they did not have in the semi-finals. Starc has been a standout for the side and if the pitch can afford a bit of bounce or swing, he will be quite a handful. He will replace Ian Moran.
Nic Maddinson will need to bat like how he has through the tournament for the Sixers but more vitally, he needs support at the top of the innings.
Perth should be favourites to win this close encounter.
The Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers Big Bash League match will begin at 9.00 am GMT on January 28.
