Big Bash League 2021-22 – Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers – 53rd Match Prediction
With no more than two matches remaining in the league stage of the Big Bash League 2021 for each side, the qualification scenarios are becoming clear. Three teams, the Perth Scorchers, the Sydney Sixers, and the Sydney Thunder, have already advanced to the next round, leaving only one spot open.
The Perth Scorchers have been the most consistent team this season, winning 10 games and taking the top spot in the points table. The Brisbane Heat, on the other hand, has had a disappointing season, winning only three games.
Next up in the tournament is a match between the Brisbane Heat and the Perth Scorchers, which may or may not have an impact on the top four, but is still crucial for both of these teams. It will be interesting to see if they can surprise the Scorchers here.
The game between the two teams will take place on January 17th, 2022 at Docklands Stadium in Melbourne.
Match Details to Note
Match: Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers, 53rd Match, Big Bash League 2021-22
Date: January 17, 2022 (Monday)
Time: 2:45 PM IST
Venue: Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers Team Previews
Brisbane Heat (Match Odds – 2.40)
The Brisbane Heat was on a similar path to the previous year, and just when it appeared that they would claw their way back into contention, Covid-19 ruined their plans. The Brisbane Heat was forced to change their lineup overnight, resulting in two consecutive losses. Despite the return of their regular players, the Brisbane Heat was unable to regain their momentum.
They currently have 15 points and have already been eliminated from playoff contention. Even a couple of big wins from now will keep them behind the Hobart Hurricanes, who are currently fifth on the ladder. Brisbane Heat have won three and lost nine games out of a total of 12 games played. They have a terrible net run rate of -0.895, which is no longer relevant.
The Brisbane Heat are coming into this game after four straight losses and are likely to be demoralised. They were completely outplayed by the Melbourne Stars in their most recent match, which they lost by an eight-wicket margin. Batting first, they managed to post a nearly par score of 149 for 6, which was easily surpassed by Stars with 37 balls remaining.
To compound the Heat’s woes, Fakhar Zaman is no longer available to play, leaving a significant void in their top order. With problems dealing with form and Covid-19, the Brisbane Heat has a rather unsettled side, as evidenced by their performances thus far. They do, however, have some match-winners on their roster, all of whom can win games on their own. They would need them to deliver, and if they do, the Perth Scorchers will face a stiff challenge.
Brisbane Heat Squad
Nathan McSweeney, Chris Lynn (c), Ben Duckett, Lachlan Pfeffer (wk), Sam Heazlett, Jimmy Peirson, James Bazley, Michael Neser, Mark Steketee, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Swepson, Xavier Bartlett, Will Prestwidge, Liam Guthrie, Max Bryant, Tom Cooper, Jack Wildermuth
Predicted XI: Chris Lynn (c), Nathan McSweeney, Lachlan Pfeffer (wk), Ben Duckett, Sam Heazlett, Jimmy Peirson, Michael Neser, James Bazley, Mark Steketee, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Swepson
Perth Scorchers (Match Odds – 1.57)
With 38 points already on the board, the Perth Scorchers are assured of advancing to the next round. In fact, regardless of what happens in this upcoming contest, they are almost certain to finish among the top two teams, giving them a slight advantage. Having said that, this is their final league game, and they’d like to keep the momentum going before moving on to the qualifier match.
The Perth Scorchers had a mediocre start to the tournament, but their usual suspects didn’t waste any time getting into top gear. They’ve also performed admirably recently, winning four of their last six games. They currently sit atop the points table, having won ten of their thirteen games. Furthermore, they have a fantastic net run rate of 0.950, which is second only to the Sydney Sixers’ net run rate.
They are coming off an unexpected loss to the Adelaide Strikers and will be eager to get back to winning ways. The Scorchers’ batsmen looked clueless against the Strikers, scoring a total of 127 runs. This was a meaningless total for their bowlers to defend, but they gave it their all, picking up four wickets and extending the game until the 17th over.
Perth Scorchers will be a much stronger side, at least on paper, with Mitchell Marsh likely to return. Even without him, they are an immaculately balanced team that covers all bases, whether bowling or batting. They have been in excellent form and will be looking to finish their league campaign on a high note. If they can play to their on-paper potential, there’s no reason why they can’t get back to winning.
Perth Scorchers Squad
Kurtis Patterson, Nick Hobson, Colin Munro, Ashton Turner (c), Aaron Hardie, Chris Sabburg (wk), Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Hatzoglou, David Moody, Lance Morris, Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Agar, Josh Inglis
Predicted XI: Ashton Turner (c), Kurtis Patterson, Nick Hobson, Laurie Evans, Aaron Hardie, Chris Sabburg (wk), Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Hatzoglou, David Moody, Lance Morris
Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers Toss Prediction
Docklands Stadium has had one of the best surfaces this season, with teams doing well batting first. Chasing runs can be difficult in the second half of the game as the wicket slows down. In this game, the team that wins the toss will almost certainly bat first.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Docklands Stadium in Melbourne is an excellent venue for this format of the game; and high-scoring games have been held there in the past. On this track, the ball comes onto the bat nicely, allowing batsmen to play their strokes. Bowlers have a narrow margin for error and must put their bodies on the line to trouble batsmen.
On January 17, the skies over Melbourne are expected to be clear; and the surface is expected to be flat, ideal for batsmen. To do well on this ground, bowlers must bowl within their limits. The team batting first in the game must aim for a total of more than 170 runs.
Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers Match Prediction
This season, the Brisbane Heat has been inconsistent. The team would be low on confidence and would have to play out of their skins to beat the table-toppers. The Perth Scorchers have had a good season in which most of their players have performed admirably; and they would like to continue that trend here and finish the league games on a high note. The team would start as the clear favourite to win this game.
Perth Scorchers is the favourite to beat Brisbane Heat at the odds of 1.57.
- Team Perth Scorchers have won ten of their thirteen games and appear to be in excellent form.
- Brisbane Heat has only won three of their twelve games and are lacking in confidence.
- Perth Scorchers have won five of their last six games against the Brisbane Heat.
