Today at the WBBL: Top two showdown and Renegades eye another win

The Cricketer previews the start of the final week of group matches, with 16 matches to determine the top four...

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Who’s playing?

Game one: Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide Strikers

Game two: Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat

Game three: Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars

Game four: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades

The two most inconsistent sides in the competition meet in the opening match of the round as Hurricanes take on Strikers. Neither side have managed to string together more than two wins on the bounce at any one time and have been on both ends of emphatic results.

While Strikers are reeling from the news that Suzie Bates has been ruled out of the remainder of the competition, Hurricanes are picking themselves up from a 10-wicket loss to Heat.

The reigning champions are coming into form at just the right time as they take on a Sixers side who are heading in the wrong direction.

Since Ellyse Perry's side were beaten for the first time by Scorchers they have lost four in a row. Heat by stark contract claimed an emphatic win over Hurricanes and have now claimed three in a row.

The stand-out clash of the day comes from Hurstville Oval as Stars face Scorchers. Meg Lanning's side had not lost a game before they came unstuck against Renegades but they remain top of the table. Scorchers have meanwhile won four on the trot since they met Stars earlier this month when they were beaten by eight wickets.

The final match of the round sees two struggling sides, Thunder and Renegades meet at Sydney Showground Stadium. Both sides have only won a combined two matches from the last eight and are badly in need of a result.

Renegades caused the shock of the competition by overcoming Stars in their last outing and will be eager to carry any momentum created by that victory into their 11th round match. Thunder were beaten by two runs the last time the sides met, thanks to an inspired display from Sophie Molineux.

Ashleigh Gardner could be set for a period on the sidelines

Who should I look out for?

Over 600 days on from her last Sixers outing, Lauren Cheatle will draw a line underneath her long battle back from multiple injuries when she takes to the field against Heat.

The 22-year-old has not played a full competitive match in well over a year thanks to shoulder reconstruction and bicep surgery which threatened to derail her career.

"I’m really, really nervous, but I’m also extremely excited," she said. "It’s been a long time since I played for the Sixers obviously, and even playing a game in general. I’m really, really keen."

Elsewhere for the Sixers, Ashleigh Gardner has been included in the squad for the mid-week double-header, which also sees them face Sydney neighbours Thunder.

The batter was removed from the action after the first ball of defeat to Strikers after suffering a concussion while fielding on the boundary. Gardner will undergo a further concussion test to determine whether she is fit enough to return.

After rising to No.2 in the Women's T20 Player Index, all eyes will be on Heather Knight as she pursues Sophie Devine at the top of the standings. The Perth Scorchers' skipper has a back problem and has been ruled out of the matches against Stars and Heat, giving Knight the opportunity to potentially overtake her in the standings.

Predictions

Hurricanes to overcome Strikers.

Stars to edge out Scorchers.

Heat to burn Sixers.

Renegades to make it two from two against Thunder.

^{Ellyse Perry has recaptured some of her best form since returning to full fitness}

Where can I watch?

In Australia, Kayo Sports are showing all 59 matches through their streaming service. Remaining games are accessible either through Channel 7, Fox Cricket or cricket.com.au.

In the UK, BT Sport 1 will show live coverage of Hurricanes v Strikers, before Sixers v Heat and Thunder v Renegades is shown on sister channel BT Sport 2.

What does the weather look like?

Though overcast skies are predicted in Sydney, rain is not anticipated which should lead to four complete matches.