Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview + Dream11
It’s what makes T20 cricket interesting.
Brisbane Heat, 7th place finishers in BBL07 and with a first up defeat in BBL08, start as favourites against last year’s finalists. The Heat had their moments against the Strikers in the tournament opener, but as feared, they rely too much on individual brilliance. Perhaps significantly, they will be at home away from their beloved Gabba, with Gold Coast’s Metricon Stadium set to host its first ever BBL game, soon after its first ever T20I. Can the Heat get their first win of BBL08?
Hobart Hurricanes begin BBL08 looking to go one better than their BBL07 campaign. D’Arcy Short, who hasn’t quite reached the heights since, was central to their run to the final, and so too Jofra Archer, who will be aiming for another strong campaign. The absence of Tim Paine, as well as the loss of Dan Christian leaves a little hole in the Hurricanes line up. However, they still possess talent in their 13-man squad, and will be looking for a better start than their BBL07 campaign.
P.S. I recently partnered with the awesome team at OnlineCricStore.com.
Hope you enjoy my cricket tips on the OnlineCricStore Blog!
Key to a Brisbane Heat win
There is a long way to go yet, but Brisbane Heat showed glimpses of why I have predicted them to finish last this season. Their all-or-nothing approach in the powerplay overs put them under significant pressure for the remainder of their batting innings, with James Peirson and Mujeeb Ur Rahman getting the Heat to a somewhat respectable 146 after being 101/9.
Brendon McCullum will need to find a balance between big shots and getting his team off to a solid start, which is possible given the encouraging signs Max Bryant showed on Wednesday. Chris Lynn is also undoubtedly crucial to the Heat’s chances, but for the home side to get their first win, they will need more from the likes of Joe Burns, Ben Cutting and Sam Heazlett. If the Heat rely on one or two small periods of magic with the bat, it might not be enough.
Also, James Pattinson will miss this game as he is best man at a friend’s wedding. Who will step up in his absence? Spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mitch Swepson bowled well against the Strikers, but apart from Pattinson, no other seamer looked very threatening. Mark Steketee was off colour and has to improve, and a lot is needed from Ben Cutting to make life easier for his captain. Can the Heat pick up early wickets and build the pressure on the Hurricanes?
Key to a Hobart Hurricanes win
As mentioned, D’Arcy Short was central to the Hurricanes’ run to the BBL07 final. He topped the run scoring charts last season, and he will be key again against a Heat attack that looks a little thin on paper. His battle with Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the early overs could very well dictate how this game will go.
Also, can the Hurricanes batting line up click into gear right away? The men in purple possess players in good form in domestic cricket such as Matthew Wade, Alex Doolan and George Bailey, who will be tasked with keeping the scoreboard ticking over. Ben McDermott is also one to keep an eye out for, with his talent on display for Australia in 2018, and he, along with James Faulkner, need to provide much needed power in the middle order. Will the Hurricanes inflict more ‘heat’ on Brisbane Heat?
Also, do the Hurricanes have the bowling depth to trouble the Heat? Jofra Archer was immense in BBL07, and will be key again, so too new recruit Johan Botha. However, who else will step up with the ball? James Faulkner needs to rediscover his form, and Clive Rose will have to be tidy in the powerplay overs, which is where he typically bowls. Can the likes of Simon Milenko and Riley Meredith, if called up, provide impact for the Hurricanes?
Predicted Playing XIs
Brisbane Heat, in their 13-man squad, have brought in spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. However, expect Josh Lalor to replace James Pattinson in the XI.
Brisbane Heat: 1. Brendon McCullum, 2. Max Bryant, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. Joe Burns, 5. Sam Heazlett, 6. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 7. Ben Cutting, 8. Mitch Swepson, 9. Mark Steketee, 10. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 11. Josh Lalor
Hobart Hurricanes have also put out their 13-man squad. Tymal Mills picked up a hamstring injury in the warm up match. Four players could make their Hurricanes BBL debuts if selected – Jake Doran, Johan Botha, David Moody and James Faulkner.
Hobart Hurricanes: 1. D’Arcy Short, 2. Matthew Wade (c & wk), 3. Alex Doolan, 4. George Bailey, 5. Ben McDermott, 6. James Faulkner, 7. Johan Botha, 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Clive Rose, 10. Riley Meredith/Simon Milenko, 11. David Moody
Dream11
High-scoring match? Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.
- Matthew Wade has been in excellent form domestically. He is likely to open the batting, too. He is my VC.
- I predict Chris Lynn will have a good outing against Hobart’s attack. Max Bryant showed good form against the Strikers.
- George Bailey has been in good touch, and Ben McDermott is a powerful player.
- Brendon McCullum has two fifties in his last three games vs Hobart Hurricanes. He has hinted at retirement, but this is a game he could very well enjoy.
- I predict Mujeeb Ur Rahman will get the better of D’Arcy Short at the top.
- Riley Meredith has been in the wickets in Shield Cricket. Jofra Archer is a key weapon for the Hurricanes, especially at the death. Mitch Swepson bowled well two nights ago.
Stats and Facts
- Metricon Stadium in the Gold Coast will host its first ever BBL match.
- Hobart Hurricanes have won seven of the last nine games vs Brisbane Heat.
- Jofra Archer was third highest wicket taker in BBL07 (16).
Prediction
Rain is unfortunately predicted throughout the match tonight.
Despite my prediction about Brisbane Heat overall this tournament, I think this will be their good night. I predict a Brisbane Heat win, with their top heavy batting line up to be in the runs against a Hobart attack likely to rely a lot on Jofra Archer.
Thanks for reading!
P.S. I recently partnered with the awesome team at OnlineCricStore.com.
Hope you enjoy my cricket tips on the OnlineCricStore Blog!
Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview + Dream11