Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Preview Dream11. BRH vs MLS Preview Dream11 Prediction
It has taken a while, but the semi finals are nearly here. In fact, the Bangladesh Premier League, which began well after BBL08, hosts its final today between Dhaka Dynamites and Comilla Victorians. The BBL is still in its group stage, but we could be in for an exciting night.
Brisbane Heat, with two straight wins, still have the chance to qualify for the semi finals. Tonight is their final group game, and they have the opportunity to leapfrog into fourth position on the table, and put all the pressure on Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars in their final group games on Sunday. Can they back up their strong effort against Adelaide Strikers last Sunday?
Melbourne Stars remain the only side with two games left to play, and a win tonight confirms their passage into the finals. They were disappointing in their defeat to last placed Perth Scorchers last Sunday, which has left the door slightly open for the Heat to make an unexpected appearance in the top four right at the end of the group stage. Can the Stars hold their nerve against a side they have typically struggled against?
Key to a Brisbane Heat win
The Heat have been crying out for their middle order to step up in BBL08, and Matt Renshaw did just that in the last match against the Strikers. A criticism of the Brisbane side over the years has been their reliance on their top three to deliver, and not many could have predicted the Heat chasing 177 with Chris Lynn getting out for a duck. In another do-or-die clash, the Heat need contributions all the way down the order, with a strong start provided by the top order, especially Chris Lynn, who has been underwhelming of late. If a platform is set, the likes of Matt Renshaw, Alex Ross and Ben Cutting have it in them to pounce.
Also, can Josh Lalor continue his incredible form with the ball? He has 12 wickets in his last five games, including six in his last two, providing the Heat with crucial impetus in the powerplay, middle and death overs. He will be a key figure in trying to dismiss the in-form Marcus Stoinis at the top, which can get the Heat right into the contest, targeting a Stars’ middle order that has been a little up-and-down of late. Can the likes of Ben Cutting, Mitchell Swepson and Jack Prestwidge (if picked) deliver a fine bowling effort in a must-win game?
Key to a Melbourne Stars win
The big threat for the Melbourne Stars heading into their game against the Scorchers on Sunday was beating themselves. Indeed, it proved to be the case, executing poorly in the death overs with the ball, then in the powerplay overs with the bat. Marcus Stoinis will be a huge key at the top, and has to deliver, but what support will he get? Can Ben Dunk deliver with greater consistency in this crucial part of the season? Will Peter Handscomb return to form in white-ball cricket after three low scores in his past four games? And, perhaps crucially, can Glenn Maxwell dominate as he showed in stages of his fine knock in Perth? The Heat’s best chance is to put the pressure on the Stars through wickets in the powerplay. So, a strong start from the top four might make it too difficult for the Heat attack to bounce back.
Also read: MRF, SG or DSC? Which cricket bat reigns supreme in 2019?
Also, can the Stars’ bowlers get the better of the Heat top order? They are boosted by the return of Sandeep Lamichhane from BPL duties, and he will be a crucial figure. Jackson Bird was good with the ball in Perth, but all-rounders Stoinis and Dwayne Bravo weren’t, which is something they must rectify for tonight’s clash. Bravo in particular has underwhelmed a little, and now is the time for him to deliver as the Stars know he can, alongside the likes of Stoinis and Adam Zampa to deliver regular wickets. With Matt Renshaw and Alex Ross in good form for the Heat, only focusing on the top three is dangerous from the Stars. Can they deliver a consistent bowling effort right throughout the innings?
Possible Playing 11
Brendon McCullum will play his last regular-season game for Brisbane Heat, after announcing his retirement. Brendan Doggett returns to the squad in place of Sam Heazlett, and it remains to be seen whether the Heat persist with Ben Cutting at the top of the order after two low scores.
Brisbane Heat Possible Playing 11: 1. Max Bryant, 2. Brendon McCullum, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. Matt Renshaw, 5. Alex Ross, 6. Ben Cutting, 7. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 8. Jack Prestwidge, 9. Josh Lalor, 10. Mitchell Swepson, 11 Matthew Kuhnemann/Brendan Doggett
As mentioned, Sandeep Lamichhane returns for the Stars. He comes into the squad for Liam Plunkett, who will soon join the England squad for the ODI series in West Indies.
Melbourne Stars Possible Playing 11: 1. Ben Dunk, 2. Marcus Stoinis, 3. Peter Handscomb (wk), 4. Glenn Maxwell (c), 5. Nic Maddinson, 6. Dwayne Bravo, 7. Evan Gulbis/Seb Gotch, 8. Adam Zampa, 9. Sandeep Lamichhane, 10. Jackson Bird, 11. Dan Worrall
Dream11 Prediction
Also read: MRF, SG or DSC? Which cricket bat reigns supreme in 2019?
Stats and Facts
- Melbourne Stars successfully defended 134 against Brisbane Heat earlier this season.
- This will be Brendon McCullum’s final game for the Heat at the Gabba.
- Brisbane Heat have won six of nine matches against Melbourne Stars.
Match Prediction
Tough one to pick with the Heat possessing a strong record against Stars.
However, the Stars just have that extra bit of class that can get them over the line. Stars to win.
Thanks for reading!
Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Preview Dream11. BRH vs MLS Preview Dream11 Prediction
Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Preview Dream11. BRH vs MLS Preview Dream11 Prediction
