Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

BBL09 Match 18: BH vs PS Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BBL09 Match Prediction Today | Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers Prediction Today | Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers Key Players | BH vs PS Dream11 Prediction

A New Year begins with two sides looking for a change of fortunes.

While Brisbane Heat were superb in their last match vs Sydney Sixers, they largely underachieved in recent BBL seasons. So, now is the time to put a strong run of form together en-route to a playoffs appearance later this tournament – the minimum expected of this team that is awaiting the arrival of AB de Villiers.

Perth Scorchers were the most successful BBL side of the decade; three titles represents an outstanding return. However, it has been lean pickings in recent times, after finishing last in BBL08 and on the losing side three of four times in this campaign.

So, who will start 2020 on a high?

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Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

• Chris Lynn announced himself in BBL09 with an incredible 94 off 35 balls vs Sixers. Plus, his record vs Scorchers is outstanding: 465 runs at an average of 65.14 and SR of 145.69.
• Also, Lynn scored 84 (55) in the New Years’ Day match at Carrara last season.
• Tom Banton returns after missing the last game through illness. His last knock (vs Stars) was a fine 64 off 36 balls.
• Mitchell Marsh vs Brisbane Heat: 186 runs, avg. 46.50, SR: 144.19.
• Matt Renshaw has been a surprise packet in BBL09: 125 runs, avg. 62.50, SR: 134.40. He also has two wickets in three overs.
• Josh Inglis and Liam Livingstone have had very promising moments in BBL09. Can they score big vs Brisbane Heat?
• Josh Lalor took 20 wickets last season, including 3/23 in the last meeting against Perth Scorchers.
• Ashton Agar has just one wicket in five matches vs Heat.
• Chris Jordan in BBL09: Seven wickets in four matches.
• Jhye Richardson has been on the improve, taking three wickets in his last two games. Also, spinners have had a good time in Carrara so far in BBL09, taking a total of 10 wickets. Fawad Ahmed to deliver?
• Ben Laughin took eight wickets in as many games for Strikers vs Scorchers.

Head-to-Head

• Matches 11, Brisbane Heat 6, Perth Scorchers 5.
• Brisbane Heat have won four of the past five meetings.

Key to a Brisbane Heat win

How good was Chris Lynn last time out? His amazing display of power-hitting set the Heat up beautifully, with Matt Renshaw showing his T20 capabilities. With Tom Banton back in the lineup, the Heat can look forward to a strong start that they can build on throughout the innings.

Also, can the Heat bowlers get the better of a shaky Scorchers lineup? The Heat attack worked beautifully as a unit in Sydney last week, and if they can do so again, a second consecutive win can await.

Key to a Perth Scorchers win

The Scorchers’ batting has been under-par. Apart from a few encouraging moments, the Scorchers have struggled, which has played a key part in their slow start to BBL09. Here, the top five need to deliver to ensure momentum through the innings.

Also, can the Scorchers’ attack get the better of the Heat power-hitters? Tom Banton, Chris Lynn and Max Bryant will be key players at the top, so if the Scorchers can make early inroads, they get a foothold in the game.

Possible Playing 11

Tom Banton is back for Brisbane Heat after spending time in hospital with a virus. Also, Mitch Swepson is in the Australian Test squad, so will miss this match.

Brisbane Heat: 1. Tom Banton, 2. Max Bryant, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. Matt Renshaw, 5. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 6. Ben Cutting, 7. Jack Prestwidge, 8. Josh Lalor, 9. Matt Kuhnemann, 10. Ben Laughlin, 11. Zahir Khan

Perth Scorchers have announced an unchanged 13-man squad from their loss to the Sixers last game.

Perth Scorchers: 1. Josh Inglis (wk), 2. Liam Livingstone, 3. Cameron Bancroft, 4. Mitchell March (c), 5. Ashton Turner, 6. Cameron Green, 7. Ashton Agar, 8. Chris Jordan, 9. Matt Kelly, 10. Jhye Richardson, 11. Fawad Ahmed

Also read: Is cricket blogging something you are looking to pursue more of in 2020? Download my free E-Book for tips!

Metricon Stadium Pitch and Conditions

Both batsmen and bowlers have had a say at Metricon Stadium so far in BBL09. The average score in two games this season is 170.5, and another similar pitch should be expected.

Conditions are forecast to be very pleasant for the match: approximately 25 degrees with no rain forecast.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Also read: Dream11 content for you to enjoy on CricBlog:

• 6 tips to increase chances of winning in Dream11
• MyTeam11 vs Dream11: Which is better for you?
• Pros and cons of Dream11’s deadline decision

Match Prediction

Brisbane Heat have dominated this fixture in the past couple of years.

Given the way the Scorchers are playing right now, the Heat look in better shape for a win.

Thanks for reading!