Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

BBL09 Match 36: BH vs AS Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BH vs AS Dream11 | Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers Preview Dream11 Prediction | Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers Key Players to Watch | BH vs AS Dream11 Prediction

The wait is over. He has arrived. One of the greatest batsmen across formats in recent memory is on our shores, ready to propel the Brisbane Heat towards a tilt at the BBL09 Title.

That man is AB de Villiers. Three words that can put bums on seats and send chills down the spine of any bowler. However, rain might play spoilsport, with showers and a potential thunderstorm forecast.

If there is a result, Adelaide Strikers will be no pushovers. The Strikers don’t look as strong on paper this season compared to seasons gone by, but they often found a way to win. Indeed, the return of skipper Travis Head was a big boost, with regular performers such as Jono Wells, Peter Siddle and Rashid Khan leading the way.

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Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

• AB de Villiers remains a big name in world cricket, despite his retirement from international cricket. He is coming off 325 runs at 46.42 and a strike-rate of 152.58 in the 2019 Mzansi Super League.
• In 12 ODIs in Australia, de Villiers scored 678 runs at an average of 75.33.
• His partnership with Chris Lynn could be something to behold. Lynn, when the Heat bat first, has been unstoppable: 94 (35), 88* (55) and 31 (13).
• However, it is a different story when batting second: 9, 6, 14, 9, 14. Also, Lynn needs to improve on his average of 18 in nine games vs Strikers.
• Also, Mujeeb ur Rahman is back for the Heat. He took at least one wicket in eight of his past 10 T20s in the Bangladesh Premier League.
• It was a fine start to BBL09 for Travis Head. He would want to build on his 22, but his two wickets makes him very handy. Also, Head has a good record vs Heat: 143 runs at 47.67.
• Jono Wells has been one of the most consistent performers in BBL09. He has 292 runs in eight innings; dismissed just four times. Jake Weatherald is one run ahead with 293 runs (7th in BBL09).
• Matt Renshaw was man-of-the-match the last time Heat played Strikers. He scored a brilliant 90* off 50 balls to seal a chase.
• Man-of-the-match in Heat vs Strikers in Brisbane last season? Rashid Khan.
• Rashid has 87 runs at SR 189.13 in BBL09, along with 14 wickets in eight games. Also, he has six wickets in three games vs Heat.
• Ben Laughlin went the journey last game (60 off four overs), but has at least one wicket in each game in BBL09.
• Peter Siddle remains one of the Strikers’ key bowlers. He is coming off three wickets vs Renegades, part of 10 wickets this season.
• Josh Lalor vs Strikers: Six wickets in three games. However, he could miss out if the Heat choose Mitch Swepson.

Head-to-Head

• Matches: 9, Heat 4, Strikers 5.
• This is the first meeting between the teams in BBL09.

Key to a Brisbane Heat win

Brisbane Heat have been incredible when setting a score. In three games, they have scored 200+ twice, with the other occasion seeing them score 119 in eight overs. With such big hitting at the helm, including superstar AB de Villiers, the Heat need to transfer this to a chase, if needed.

When batting second, the Heat have won just one of five games. So, if they are asked to bowl first, it is on the bowlers too to limit the Strikers’ top order, of which so much rests on. Can Mujeeb ur Rahman hit the ground running right away in BBL09?

Key to an Adelaide Strikers win

It was the near perfect display for the Strikers on Sunday. Granted, they were playing a terribly out-of-form Renegades side, but their strong middle and death overs effort after a slightly shaky start is cause for optimism. Can the out-of-form Phil Salt add an even greater dimension?

But, so much could depend on how well their bowlers can restrict the Heat’s big hitters. With the likes of Peter Siddle and Rashid Khan now in double figures for wickets in BBL09, it is on these two experienced players to lead the way in picking up regular wickets. The likes of Travis Head, Michael Neser and Harry Conway need to provide quality support.

Gabba Pitch Report and Conditions

The conditions could ruin this match. Quite a bit of rain is forecast for Brisbane, particularly in the afternoon and evening.

In terms of the pitch, the Gabba track was uncharacteristically slow for last week’s Heat vs Hurricanes game. Usually, the track allows for more free-flowing strokeplay.

Possible Playing 11

AB de Villiers and Mujeeb ur Rahman have arrived for the Heat. They will slot in for the departing Tom Banton and Zahir Khan respectively. Also, Cutting could open after a strong finish in that position last season.

Brisbane Heat: 1. Max Bryant, 2. Ben Cutting, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. AB de Villiers, 5. Matt Renshaw, 6. Joe Burns, 7. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 8. Josh Lalor/Mitch Swepson, 9. James Pattinson, 10. Ben Laughlin, 11. Mujeeb ur Rahman

Adelaide Strikers smashed Melbourne Renegades on Sunday. They have stuck with the same squad of 13, and will likely stick with the same XI.

Adelaide Strikers: 1. Jake Weatherald, 2. Phil Salt, 3. Travis Head (c), 4. Jono Wells, 5. Harry Nielsen (wk), 6. Matt Short, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Michael Neser, 9. Peter Siddle, 10. Wes Agar, 11. Harry Conway

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1 (if Heat bat first):

Option 2 (if Strikers bat first):

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• Pros and cons of Dream11’s deadline decision

Match Prediction

It is very likely that this will be a shortened game. So, it could come down to power-hitting if there is a result, which the Heat showed in Sydney last week.

Thanks for reading!

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