Big Bash 2022-23 match preview: Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2022/23 Big Bash

What's the match?

Perth Scorchers host Sydney Sixers in match six of the 2022/23 Big Bash, the 12th edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 4.05pm local time (8.05am GMT) on Saturday, December 17.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played in Perth at the Optus Stadium.

Who's got the form?

Perth Scorchers are yet to begin their title defence while Sydney Sixers got their BBL12 campaign started against Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday.

Unfortunately for the three-time champions, it was not a winning start as they suffered a 51-run defeat. Bowlers Sean Abbott, Hayden Kerr and Ben Dwarshuis were blown away by Matthew Short, Chris Lynn and Adam Hose while their batters had no answer to Henry Thornton and Rashid Khan. Jordan Silk (36 off 25) top-scored for the Sixers and was one of only two players to post a strike rate above 115.

These two sides met on four occasions in 2021/22, with Perth Scorchers winning every match.

^{Izharulhaq Naveed impressed on his BBL debut [Mark Brake/Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

Izharulhaq Naveed was hugely impressive on his Big Bash debut, with the Afghanistan spinner - a member of his side's Under-19 World Cup squad at the beginning of 2022 - returning 2 for 25 from his four overs, including the big wickets of Short and Lynn. Veteran left-armer Steve O'Keefe (1 for 27) was the only other Sixers bowler to concede fewer than nine runs per over.

Perth Scorchers, however, will be a new challenge for the young bowler, with Ashton Turner, Cameron Bancroft, Faf du Plessis, Josh Inglis and Adam Lyth among the big hitters at the defending champions' disposal.

The Sixers will be hoping Naveed is on song once again and that their seam department can learn from the form of the spinners.

What's the weather forecast?

Sunny conditions are expected in Western Australia with temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s.

What is the team news?

Perth Scorchers have named a stacked line-up for their tournament opener, with overseas pair Faf du Plessis and Adam Lyth among those set for inclusion. Cameron Green, however, is absent due to his ongoing Test commitments.

The Sixers have recruited Naveen-ul-Haq as a partial replacement for Chris Jordan, who is set to arrive in Australia later in December, and the Afghanistan international has been parachuted straight into the 16-strong squad.

One selection dilemma for the Sixers is whether James Vince or Kurtis Patterson should open the batting with Josh Philippe. Patterson partnered Philippe on Wednesday but Vince has frequently occupied an opener's berth in magenta.

What are the squads?

Perth Scorchers: Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Laurie Evans (contract terminated), Aaron Hardie, Peter Hatzoglou, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kelly, Mitch Marsh (injured), Tymal Mills (withdrawn), Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Phil Salt (injured), Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Faf du Plessis (replacing Laurie Evans, first seven matches only), Adam Lyth (replacing Phil Salt, first half only), Stephen Eskinazi, Hamish McKenzie

Sydney Sixers: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Dan Christian, Ben Dwarshuis, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Nathan Lyon, Izharulhaq Naveed, Chris Jordan, Steve O'Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, James Vince, Todd Murphy, Mickey Edwards, Jack Edwards, Steve Smith, Josh Kann (local replacement player), Naveen-ul-Haq (partial replacement for Chris Jordan)

*Squads are for the whole BBL and not specific to this match

What are the possible starting XIs?

Perth Scorchers: Adam Lyth, Josh Inglis, Faf du Plessis, Cameron Bancroft, Ashton Turner, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, AJ Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Hatzoglou

Sydney Sixers: Josh Philippe, Kurtis Patterson, James Vince, Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk, Dan Christian, Sean Abbott, Hayden Kerr, Steve O'Keefe, Izharulhaq Naveed, Naveen-ul-Haq

Perth Scorchers are beginning their title defence with a repeat of last year's final [Kelly DeFina/Getty Images]

What are the odds?

Perth Scorchers are available at 4/5 while Sydney Sixers are at 11/10.

What's the prediction?

Based on how easily Adelaide Strikers took apart Sydney Sixers' seam attack, you'd have to back big-hitting Scorchers. Home win.

Are tickets available?

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, with junior tickets starting from $15.50 and adult tickets from $27.

Where can I watch the game?

Sky Sports hold the UK rights for the BBL, with coverage split between Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix.

Ball-by-ball radio commentary will also be available via BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and BBC Sounds for selected matches.

Fox Sports and Seven Network both have television rights in Australia while coverage will also be available via streaming service Kayo. Fox will show every game while 45 matches, including the knockout stages, will be shown free-to-air on Channel Seven.