Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11

Two sides who played the first match of BBL08. One side played poorly on the night, which was a bit of a preview of things to come. The other, the defending champions, kicked off the tournament so impressively that favouritism for the title, along with Perth Scorchers, was certainly a viable statement.

However, Adelaide Strikers have been one of BBL08’s most disappointing sides. Still, though, their season is still alive by the skin of their teeth after an incredible win over first placed Hobart Hurricanes, making this game an opportunity to put some pressure on fourth placed Melbourne Stars. With the Stars playing in Perth right after this match, the Strikers have to be on their game tonight against a Heat side still motivated to cause some damage.

Brisbane Heat lost that opening match against the Strikers, and apart from a few positive moments, have had another disappointing season. Their team balance is something they must look at for future seasons, as there is no doubt this is hampering their progress. However, they have the chance here to end the season of the defending champions, just as they consigned pre-tournament favourites Perth Scorchers to the wooden spoon two nights ago. Will it be two straight wins for the Heat?

Key to an Adelaide Strikers win

The Strikers found their mojo back in Launceston. They were on course to concede another hefty total without too many wickets taken, but they bounced back brilliantly to restrict the Hurricanes to 169 when a much larger total looked likely. Ben Laughlin, Rashid Khan and Michael Neser were all excellent in the middle-death overs, picking up precious wickets that the Strikers have lacked badly in matches gone by. With the Heat relying significantly on their top order, the powerplay is a crucial point of the game for the Strikers, who have the opportunity to get right into the Heat lineup. Will the Strikers leave too much for the Heat middle order to do?

Also, Alex Carey and Jake Weatherald were brilliant in taking the game away from the Hurricanes the other night, and will have to play similar roles today. Caution was thrown into the wind, and with another must-win situation at hand, the Strikers would be well-advised to go with the same approach. Can the openers get the better of the likes of in-form Josh Lalor? How will they handle the likes of Mitch Swepson and Ben Cutting? If the Strikers top order can fire, it might be too much for the Heat to recover from.

Key to a Brisbane Heat win

It is no coincidence that when the Heat have bowled well this season, they have won matches. This was on show against Perth Scorchers, taking advantage of a struggling lineup which reduced the pressure significantly on their batsmen. The wickets of Alex Carey and Jake Weatherald will be crucial at the top, which can enable the Heat to target a Strikers’ middle order that has had its issues in recent matches. Can Josh Lalor continue his fine run of form? How can the Heat replace Mujeeb ur Rahman effectively?

Also, like the Strikers were pleased that Alex Carey and Jake Weatherald returned to form, so will the Heat regarding Chris Lynn. He has the potential to end the Strikers’ season tonight, and with the home side struggling for wickets in recent matches, he and the likes of Max Bryant and Brendon McCullum can cause damage. Will it be a big night for the Heat batsmen?

Possible Playing 11

Peter Siddle is back in the Strikers squad, replacing Billy Stanlake. He will be a key player in a game that can keep the Strikers’ playoff hopes alive.

Adelaide Strikers Possible Playing 11: 1. Alex Carey (wk), 2. Jake Weatherald, 3. Jake Lehmann, 4. Colin Ingram (c), 5. Jono Wells, 6. Harry Nielsen, 7. Cameron Valente, 8. Michael Neser, 9. Rashid Khan, 10. Peter Siddle, 11. Ben Laughlin

Mujeeb ur Rahman has traveled back to Afghanistan due to a family illness. He is replaced in the squad by Mitch Swepson. Also, Mark Steketee comes in for Brendan Doggett.

Brisbane Heat Possible Playing 11: 1. Max Bryant, 2. Brendon McCullum, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. Matthew Renshaw, 5. Alex Ross, 6. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 7. Ben Cutting, 8. Mark Steketee/Jack Prestwidge, 9. Matthew Kuhnemann, 10. Josh Lalor, 11. Mitchell Swepson

Dream11 Prediction

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-Head: Adelaide Strikers 5, Brisbane Heat 3.
• Adelaide Strikers beat Brisbane Heat on opening night of BBL08.
• Chris Lynn’s 56* vs Perth Scorchers saw him become the BBL’s all-time leading runscorer.

Match Prediction

Anything is possible in a match like this.

Both sides are coming off wins, and both possess firepower at the top which makes the powerplays crucial for both teams. With Peter Siddle back, I will back the Strikers to win to keep their season alive.

Thanks for reading!

Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11