Brisbane Heat vs. Melbourne Stars : Lowdown: Close Encounter On The Cards || Big Bash League 2020-21
Big Bash League 2020-21 Match 32
Brisbane Heat vs. Melbourne Stars Match Prediction – Thu, 7th January
Fresh Beginning for the Stars:
The Stars return to business with a well-earned victory against Hobart Hurricanes. Glenn Maxwell and co. will be poised with this comprehensive win. With the tournament reaching its business end, each game can change the dynamics.
They broke the rut and found themselves in the hunt for a place in the playoffs. After finally breaking their 4-match winless streak in the ongoing BBL 2020-21 with a victory against Hobart Hurricanes, the Melbourne Stars will play against the Brisbane Heat at the Carrara Oval on Thursday.
The Stars began this edition as one of the in-form sides but lost their way in recent weeks. A washed-out game against Perth Scorchers broke their momentum, after which they lost three games in the series. Credits to the big man Marcus Stoinis who played an innings defining knock of 97 of 55 balls. This took the team to a fighting total allowing the bowlers to create enough chances. Despite Stoinis and Maxwell striving to get respectable totals, they will hope for Nicholas Pooran, Andre Fletcher and Nick Larkin to join the party no sooner than later.
Sam Rainbird, along with Billy Stanlake and Adam Zampa, should pave their way with bowling tighter lines. Maxwell’s golden arm has always proven worthy at the start of the innings. They held their nerve till the penultimate over, allowing them to conclude the proceedings in their favour. Andre Fletcher’s two brilliant catches in the deep helped them turn the wheel, perhaps the caused difference.
They stand 5th in the points table, but a win could start shifting the possibilities.
Possible playing XI: Marcus Stoinis, Andre Fletcher, Nicholas Pooran, Nick Larkin, Hilton Cartwright, Glenn Maxwell, Seb Gotch, Adam Zampa, Sam Rainbird, Liam Hatcher, Billy Stanlake.
Brisbane taking the Heat:
On the contrary, Brisbane Heat seems to be languishing at the bottom of the points table but indeed are in great form entering into this game at the back of two splendid wins. Despite winning two consecutive games, they sure aren’t satisfied as it doesn’t ensure their place into the knockouts.
This uncertainty of entering the playoffs makes them even more vulnerable. Not only did they win two matches, but they also defeated the table toppers. Mark Steketee and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have been their stars as their bowlers have kept it tight. They took several valuable cameos to get them past the line in both games.
They look like a team better matched to chasing, and they’ll be superior with Chris Lynn’s return. He can take the game away while chasing playing at a neck-breaking pace. Chris Lynn returning faster than anticipated from his hamstring injury has strengthened them. But sooner or later, someone will have to start filling his shoe to tag along.
It should be for Joe Burns, who had a sub-par run in the Test side. Although his 52 off 38 against the Thunder was fearless and will boost the side’s morale. Boy, he will be needed. Brisbane Heat has fashioned some eye-catching outcomes of late, and they will hope to endure their good run.
Possible playing XI: Max Bryant, Chris Lynn, Joe Denly, Joe Burns, Jack Wildermuth, Lewis Gregory, James Bazley, Mark Steketee, Jimmy Peirson, Xavier Bartlett, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
The venue, Pitch Report, and Toss Prediction:
The 32nd match of the ongoing Big Bash League 2020-21 (BBL) will pit Brisbane Heat against Melbourne Stars at the Carrara Oval in Queensland. Both these teams enter this clash on the back of incredible wins.
History says this Carrara Oval pitch has always favoured the batsmen, with an average score of 158 in the first innings. But, if the conditions are overcast, the pace bowlers will have their say in the proceedings.
With conditions favouring the batsmen early on in the game, the skippers will choose to bat first and exploit the batting conditions. The team batting first can be the pick to place your bets, although, with the weather’s unknown uncertainty, the batsmen will want to go hard from the very first ball. The spinner will play a crucial role in restricting the flow of runs in middle overs.
Stars can Prove Lethal over Heat:
Melbourne Stars being a well-composed all-round side, are at 1.71. While we reckon Brisbane Heat, who is at 2.15, will enter this game as the underdogs. Ideally, the recommendation will be to back the Heats batting second, as it plays to their strength. Although, with the wicket favouring the side batting first, match odds are quite frankly the one to miss.
If the Stars bat first, they will play to the fullest, getting as many runs as possible with all the big hitters in their ranks. Keep in mind; the Heat are 8-5 boasting on the head to head rivalry over the years, so supporting Lynn and co as visitors will be established on long term statistics.
Mujeeb and Joe will be Money Makers:
Owing to the recent form and reliable statistical data, Afghan spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman and test specialist Joe Burns will be the key players to watch out for in this game.
They can be the picks for your bets. Joe Burns, who will be in a new form after the man of the match award in the previous game and Mujeeb ur Rahman who has won that too, will dictate the terms in this match.
Mujeeb has proved to be a match-winner with a five wicket haul under his name. On the contrary, Joe Burns has broken his ill run and has gone on to hit a fluent fifty.
