Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey

BBL09 Match 5: BH vs MS Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report|BBL09 Match Prediction Today|Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Prediction Today|Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Key Players|BH vs MS Dream11 Prediction

Two of the favourites for the BBL09 Title descend on the Gold Coast for an important game early in the new season.

Brisbane Heat, coming off a disappointing first-up loss to Sydney Thunder, need to kickstart their campaign. Their batting approach left plenty to be desired, often getting a dot, boundary or out with nothing in-between.

For Melbourne Stars, we’ll see whether they have moved well beyond their choke in the BBL08 Final. Their squad looks strong again, but will they fire? Indeed, the Heat in Gold Coast will be a good test first up.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

• Marcus Stoinis had a BBL08 campaign to remember. He finished third in the run-scoring charts with 533 at 53.30. He also took 14 wickets at an average of 16.14.
• Also, Stoinis has the most runs in Heat-Stars matches (246).
• Chris Lynn, purchased by MI in the IPL Auction, will be out for a game. He is second in most runs in Heat-Stars matches with 216.
• Ben Cutting loves playing the Stars. He has 178 runs against them at a strike rate of 191.40, and Tom Banton is a dangerous player.
• Cutting and Max Bryant blew the Stars away in their last meeting.
• Glenn Maxwell’s last four innings vs Heat: 8 (5), 50 (30), 3 (4), 5 (3). Due for a big one?
• Nic Maddinson has been in superb form in FC cricket. His last seven scores: 224, 37, 37, 28, 69, 22, 59.
• Mitch Swepson (10) has the most wickets in Heat-Stars games. His economy rate is just 5.70 against them.
• Josh Lalor, who took 20 wickets in BBL08, has seven wickets against the Stars in four matches.
• Nathan Coulter-Nile: last five List A games: 3/47, 2/59, 2/60, 5/48, 3/47.

Head-to-Head

• Matches: 10, Heat: 7, Stars: 3.
• Last meeting: Brisbane Heat chased down 157 in 10 overs without the loss of a wicket at the Gabba.
• Brisbane Heat lost both their games at Gold Coast in BBL08.

Key to a Brisbane Heat win

The Heat’s approach against the Thunder left plenty to be desired. There was no commitment to rotating the strike effectively, rather focusing on hitting every ball for a maximum. It did seem they believed in their own hype, which is something to avoid today. Can their big hitters string together some partnerships?

Also, can their bowlers keep the pressure on the opposition? The Heat made a great start against the Thunder, taking three in the powerplay, but then fell away. The likes of Marcus Stoinis, Peter Handscomb and Glenn Maxwell will be key, so can the Heat cut off the Stars’ main supply at the source?

Key to a Melbourne Stars win

Marcus Stoinis’ BBL08 campaign was magnificent. Opening the batting, Stoinis remains just as important in BBL09, with a capable list of players to follow. The priority for the Stars first up would be to win each stage of their batting innings en route to a solid total.

Also, can their mix of leg-spinners and wily seamers disrupt the Heat’s power game? Early wickets, just like the Thunder took against the Heat, will be key for the Stars in stifling the Heat’s progress. Then, regular wickets can help get a foothold in the game as the Heat look for momentum.

Possible Playing 11

Brisbane Heat have retained the same squad of players that lost to Sydney Thunder. They could go with the same XI again.

Brisbane Heat: 1. Tom Banton (wk), 2. Max Bryant, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. Matt Renshaw, 5. Sam Heazlett, 6. Ben Cutting, 7. Mark Steketee, 8. Josh Lalor, 9. Mitch Swepson, 10. Ben Laughlin, 11. Zahir Khan

Melbourne Stars have picked their 13-man squad for their opening game of BBL09.

Melbourne Stars: 1. Ben Dunk, 2. Marcus Stoinis, 3. Peter Handscomb (wk), 4. Glenn Maxwell (c), 5. Nic Maddinson, 6. Hilton Cartwright, 7. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 8. Haris Rauf, 9. Daniel Worrall, 10. Sandeep Lamichhanne, 11. Adam Zampa

Pitch and Conditions

No rain is forecast for the Gold Coast in this clash. Also, the drop-in pitch typically plays quite well, as seen in the BBL last year.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

Toss of the coin to pick the winner here?

Brisbane Heat have an excellent record vs Melbourne Stars, but a not so good record on the Gold Coast. The Stars, boasting a side with players in decent touch, might just take this one out in a close match.

Thanks for reading!