Last Updated on 4 months ago by Charbel Coorey

Brisbane Heat are back in action soon after pulling off the highest run chase in BBL history. On one of the most incredible nights ever in the tournament, the Heat, who had lost Colin Munro first ball, chased 258 courtesy of remarkable twin centuries by Matt Renshaw and Jack Wildermuth.

Now, the key question is: can they bat well again? Given how many runs the Heat have leaked so far, the batters may be required to perform well again.

However, the Sydney Thunder’s batting has left plenty to be desired after they were smashed by the Sydney Sixers on Saturday. David Warner’s team need to win. They have lost their first two matches, and their poor net run rate means they can’t afford to fall further behind.

BBL 2025/26 9th Match: THU vs HEA Possible Playing XIs

Sydney Thunder have named their squad. Aidan O’Connor replaces Tom Andrews, but the Thunder may stick to the same XI that lost to the Sixers. However, they need to figure out their batting order as they lost early wickets last time out.

Sydney Thunder: 1. Sam Konstas, 2. Matthew Gilkes, 3. David Warner (c), 4. Cameron Bancroft, 5. Sam Billings (OS, wk), 6. Shadab Khan (OS), 7. Daniel Sams, 8. Chris Green, 9. Nathan McAndrew, 10. Tanveer Sangha, 11. Reece Topley (OS)

Xavier Bartlett will captain the Brisbane Heat as Nathan McSweeney is ruled out due to an ankle injury. Max Bryant is a chance of playing despite injuring his shoulder in the Scorchers match. Tom Alsop is also in the squad.

Brisbane Heat: 1. Colin Munro (OS), 2. Jack Wildermuth, 3. Matt Renshaw, 4. Tom Alsop (OS), 5. Max Bryant, 6. Hugh Weibgen, 7. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 8. Xavier Bartlett (c), 9. Shaheen Shah Afridi (OS), 10. Liam Haskett, 11. Matt Kuhnemann

Manuka Oval Canberra Pitch Report and Weather

Chasing teams have won four of the past five BBL matches at Manuka Oval. The average first innings score in these games is 159.4.

Since the start of 2023, pace bowlers have taken 30 wickets in the BBL at an average of 28.47 and economy of 8.34. Spinners have dominated, taking 37 wickets at an average of 18.27 and economy of 7.54.

A clear and pleasant evening is forecast with a top of 22 degrees. There is a chance of dew in the second innings, so chasing may be preferred.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for THU vs HEA 2025/26: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicket-keeper picks:

• Sam Billings was the Thunder’s best in the last match (51 off 28 balls). He has an excellent record against the Heat with 174 runs at an average of 43.50 and strike rate of 155.36.

Key batter picks:

• Matt Renshaw is one of the most improved white-ball players in Australia and is fresh off an incredible 102 off 51 balls in the last match. He averages just 18 in nine matches against the Thunder, but he has the form and confidence to turn this around today.
• David Warner has scores of 50 and 36 against the Heat at a strike rate of 153.57.
• In 10 matches against the Thunder, Colin Munro has scored 368 runs at an average of 40.89 and strike rate of 126.03. Munro also averages 49.75 in five innings at Canberra.

Top all-rounder picks:

• Jack Wildermuth has come of age. The fact he opens the batting and bowls for overs makes him the top captaincy pick in Dream11. He is coming off one of the greatest knocks in BBL history (110* off 54 balls).
• Shadab Khan has made a promising start with the bat in BBL 2025/26, hitting two 30+ scores. He should also be a factor on a ground where spinners have had joy in recent years.
• Daniel Sams strikes at 197.80 with the bat against the Heat and has 22 wickets in 12 innings.

Key bowler picks:

• Xavier Bartlett has looked in good touch in the powerplay and should test the shaky Thunder top order. The seam bowler has 11 wickets in eight innings in HEA-THU matches at an average of 19.45.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi has a good record against David Warner in T20s, dismissing him twice for 30 runs in 31 balls.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

• Cameron Bancroft averages 45.89 in 12 innings against the Brisbane Heat.
• Tanveer Sangha has a fine record against the Heat (18 wickets in 11 innings) and has enjoyed success on this ground too (19 wickets in 13 innings).
• Nathan McAndrew bowls in the death overs which bring wicket-taking opportunities. He strikes every 18 deliveries in 14 T20s at Canberra.
• Sam Konstas smashed 56 off 27 balls on this ground in the BBL last season. He has also performed well in tour matches in Canberra.
• Reece Topley took three wickets in the last match. He bowls in the crunch overs and is vital to the Thunder’s chances today.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

• Head-to-head: Matches 22, Thunder 7, Heat 14, N/R 1.
• Thunder and Heat have won two matches each head-to-head at Manuka Oval.
• David Warner will be looking to improve on his poor record in T20s at Canberra: 6 inns, 89 runs, avg. 14.83, SR 118.67.
• Daniel Sams has dismissed Matt Renshaw twice in 11 balls in the BBL, but those wickets came between 2020 and 2022. Can the left-armer do the same now? Sams also has the most wickets in T20s at Canberra (23).
• Cameron Bancroft batting at number four in all T20s: 23 inns, 581 runs, avg. 34.2, SR 128.3.
• Tom Alsop in all T20s this year: 515 runs, avg. 28.6, SR 132.7.
• Matt Gilkes vs Brisbane Heat: 8 inns, 171 runs, avg. 24.43, SR 126.67.
• Xavier Bartlett vs Cameron Bancroft in T20s: 32 balls, 40 runs, two wickets.
• Tanveer Sangha vs Matt Renshaw in T20s: 12 balls, 17 runs, two wickets.
• Reece Topley vs Colin Munro in T20s: 19 balls, 38 runs, no wickets.

BBL 2025/26 9th Match: THU vs HEA Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

Option 2:

BBL 2025/26 9th Match: THU vs HEA Dream11 Prediction Today

This is a genuine 50/50 game. Brisbane Heat come into the match full of confidence batting wise, but their bowling remains a worry. Sydney Thunder are also inconsistent. But, I will back them to get their first win of the season.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, Bigbashboard and Cricmetric.