Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
BBL09 Match 53: MS vs BH Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | MS vs BH Dream11 | Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11 Prediction | MS vs BH Dream11 Prediction Today
It can be easy to forget that these two sides were the two favourites for the BBL09 Title.
Melbourne Stars were strengthened by some additions from Western Australia, as well as the fact Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell were available for the whole season due to missing out on ODI selection. They have lived up to their billing so far, finishing first with ease despite two defeats in their past two games.
Brisbane Heat had the power and batting depth. Tom Banton joined the likes of Chris Lynn, Max Bryant, Matt Renshaw and Ben Cutting. Then, AB de Villiers arrived to replace Banton. Surely, their batting alone could win them enough games to make the top five in an eight-team league.
However, they have been awful in recent games, with scores of 100, 120 and 126/8 in their last three outings. They are still a chance of making the playoffs, but need a massive improvement against the tournament’s best team so far. Can they pull it off?
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
- Marcus Stoinis failed last game (5). But, whenever he has failed in BBL09, he has often responded brilliantly the next game.
- For example, he scored 62 against Sixers after scoring 6 vs Scorchers. He also scored 147* vs Sixers after a duck vs Renegades.
- Also, Stoinis is the highest run-scorer in Stars-Heat matches (262), with a SR of 154.12.
- Chris Lynn is next on the list with 222 at a SR of 148.00. It is time for the captain to step up now, at a ground where he hit five sixes in a row a few seasons back.
- Can AB de Villiers play his most significant knock since his BBL debut three games ago? Will Heat play Marnus Labuschagne at three?
- Glenn Maxwell was Player of the Match vs Heat earlier in BBL09. He scored 83 off 39 balls.
- Peter Handscomb is coming off 65* (39) vs Strikers last game. A good option to have in the middle order for Stars if needed.
- Ben Cutting’s middle order runs have been key for the Heat in recent times. He has 190 runs (avg. 31.67) and five wickets in 10 games vs Stars.
- Adam Zampa and Sandeep Lamichhane have proven to be a difficult duo to deal with at MCG this season. Given the Heat’s capitulation against spin in recent games, these two will be key.
- Also, Clint Hinchliffe, if picked, could be a handful. He has seven wickets in his last four games.
- Ben Laughlin has taken at least one wicket in nine of his last 10 BBL games.
- Melbourne Stars have picked another uncapped Pakistan seamer. Dilbar Hussain, like Haris Rauf, has a great story. Also, he is said to bowl with good pace, with a terrific slower ball to boot.
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Head-to-Head
- Matches 11, Stars 7, Heat 4.
- Interestingly, Heat have won three out of four games between the sides at the MCG.
- The average totals at this ground when the two sides meet is Heat 150 vs Stars 132.
Possible Playing 11
Nathan Coulter-Nile returns, replacing Lance Morris. Also, it remains to be seen if Stars play Dilbar Hussain right away.
Melbourne Stars: 1. Nic Maddinson, 2. Marcus Stoinis, 3. Nick Larkin, 4. Glenn Maxwell (c), 5. Peter Handscomb, 6. Seb Gotch (wk), 7. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 8. Adam Zampa, 9. Clint Hinchliffe/Dilbar Hussain, 10. Daniel Worrall, 11. Sandeep Lamichhane
Jack Prestwidge comes into the Heat 13-man squad, in place of Joe Burns. However, Heat could stick with the same XI that lost to Sixers, with a few batting order adjustments.
Brisbane Heat: 1. Sam Heazlett, 2. Chris Lynn (c), 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. AB de Villiers, 5. Matt Renshaw, 6. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 7. Ben Cutting, 8. James Pattinson, 9. Mitch Swepson, 10. Ben Laughlin, 11. Mujeeb ur Rahman
MCG Pitch Report and Conditions
No rain is forecast for this match, with a top of 26 for Melbourne on Saturday.
In terms of the pitch, both batsmen and bowlers have had success at MCG so far this season. If the batsmen are keen to get through their first 10 balls unscathed, it is a pitch where you can score big on.
For example, three of the Stars’ top four failed to face at least 10 balls last game in Melbourne vs Scorchers. In the game before, Stoinis hit 147* vs Sixers.
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Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
Option 2:
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Match Prediction
Brisbane Heat are capable of producing a great performance. They have the players to do it.
However, their body language against Sixers last game was not good. They looked defeated. So, they will need a massive lift in this game against a Stars looking to bring back some momentum ahead of the finals.
Stars to win.
Thanks for reading!
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