Last Updated on 2 months by Charbel Coorey

Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Renegades Preview Dream11

Two sides whose BBL08 campaigns threatened to unravel.

Brisbane Heat lost their first three matches, before bouncing back with two straight wins against Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder respectively. However, fears about their top heavy batting lineup still materialised two nights ago, losing 6/11 when a total of at least 210 was on the cards. A good start with bat and ball, coupled with rain, got them home against the Thunder, but coach Daniel Vettori and captain Chris Lynn will know there is still room for improvement.

Melbourne Renegades too suffered three straight defeats, before becoming the first team to knock off Hobart Hurricanes in BBL08. It was a reminder of how this Renegades team can turn it on, especially with the ball, but the difference between their best and worst cricket is still quite large. A trip to the ‘Gabba promises to be a challening task for a team that has largely struggled away from Docklands Stadium this season.

Key to a Brisbane Heat win

As mentioned, Brisbane Heat’s top order is crucial to their success. Max Bryant, Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn blew Sydney Thunder away, so much so that a collapse of 6/11 did not stop the Heat from posting 180+. The Heat will be grateful Chris Lynn was left out of Australia’s ODI squad, as these three players will be key again at the top against a Renegades’ attack that was in the wickets early against Hobart Hurricanes.

Also, in an encouraging change, Brisbane Heat’s bowling has been a positive aspect of their two victories. They choked the Scorchers, and the Thunder weren’t able to get a strong start, which has helped them build momentum in BBL08. Mujeeb ur Rahman will be key again, along with James Pattinson whose confidence will be boosted by the big wicket of Jos Buttler last game. Can the likes of Ben Cutting and the support bowlers maintain the pressure on a Renegades’ batting lineup that can be up and down?

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Key to a Melbourne Renegades win

Kane Richardson and Usman Khan Shinwari scythed through the dangerous Hobart Hurricanes top order on Monday. A similar effort against the Brisbane Heat, given they rely significantly on top order runs, could very much lead the Renegades to a good win away from home. However, with the Heat still possessing dangerous players such as Ben Cutting in the middle order, full focus for the full 20 overs is crucial for the Renegades.

Also, how well can the batting perform? Aaron Finch goes back to the Australian camp after just the one match with the Renegades, but Marcus Harris is back, so the onus is on the Renegades top order to deliver. The out of form Cameron White might return, and if he does, he must deliver along with Sam Harper, who is in good touch, and Tom Cooper, who also needs runs. With Mohammad Nabi and Dan Christian capable of strong middle order partnerships, a strong top order that betters the Heat’s could decide the result.

Predicted Playing 11

Alex Ross comes back into the Brisbane Heat squad, replacing Marnus Labuschagne. A couple of questions for the Heat:

• One of Josh Lalor or Mitch Swepson likely to get the nod.
• One of Alex Ross or Joe Burns to come into the Playing 11

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

Marcus Harris is back for the Melbourne Renegades. One question for the Renegades is whether Cameron White or Mackenzie Harvey gets a run.

Melbourne Renegades possible Playing 11: 1. Marcus Harris, 2. Cameron White/Mackenzie Harvey, 3. Sam Harper (wk), 4. Tom Cooper (c), 5. Mohammad Nabi, 6. Dan Christian, 7. Beau Webster, 8. Jack Wildermuth, 9. Cameron Boyce, 10. Kane Richardson, 11. Usman Khan Shinwari

Dream11 Prediction

A game for the batsmen? Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

• Sam Harper has been good for Melbourne Renegades this season. He has made four scores above 25, and is threatening to score big.
• Brendon McCullum hit some form with 56 against Sydney Thunder two nights ago. Chris Lynn is fourth highest run scorer in BBL08, with 233 in five matches (two fifties).
• Tom Cooper hasn’t had a great BBL08 so far, but four double figure scores in a row suggests he is due to get past his starts. Also, he made scores of 52* and 65* against Brisbane Heat last season.
• Marcus Harris was in decent form for Australia, scoring freely in the fourth Test.
• Mohammad Nabi has not taken a wicket in his last three matches, and misses out behind Ben Cutting and Dan Christian.
• Usman Khan Shinwari and Kane Richardson have taken just three wickets between them away from Marvel Stadium in BBL08.
• Cameron Boyce has taken all of his five wickets away from Marvel Stadium in BBL08.

Stats and Facts

• Melbourne Renegades have won all three games against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba, as well as the past six meetings in total.
• Chris Lynn has hit the most sixes in BBL08 (11).
• Brisbane Heat have won two matches in a row, after losing their first three.

Match Prediction

History is with the Melbourne Renegades in this battle.

Both sides have their flaws, but it promises to be a high scoring match at the Gabba. The Heat just seem to have a bit of good form behind them, and could win this one. With James Pattinson and Mujeeb ur Rahman bowling well for the Heat, in conjunction with a dangerous top order, I will predict the Brisbane Heat to break their losing run against the Renegades.

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