Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder Preview Dream11
The important games come thick and fast in BBL08. Just four points currently separate second and last, with Melbourne Renegades (in second) currently having played more games than anyone else, except for Sydney Sixers. Two points separate tonight’s opponents, which makes it a crucial game for both sides at the Gabba.
Brisbane Heat have won three of their past four games, which included a win via D/L method against Sydney Thunder last week. Inconsistency remains an issue for the Heat, shown by their two performances against Melbourne Renegades over the past week. However, the good cricket they have played is a confidence booster, especially with the likes of Brendon McCullum, Chris Lynn and Max Bryant in dangerous form. They have the chance now to break into the top four after losing their first three matches, and play a side whom they have an excellent record against.
Sydney Thunder sat in second place before the Renegades’ huge win against the Sixers yesterday. Like the Heat, the Thunder too are coming off a huge win, thumping one of the favourites Adelaide Strikers by 71 runs on Sunday. With the BBL08 group stage heading towards its business stage, the Thunder have an opportunity to push away from other top four challengers. However, they have won two of their past six matches, and need to show greater consistency both within games and across matches. Will they overcome the Heat?
Key to a Brisbane Heat win
Brisbane Heat are on a good run of results at the moment, mostly down to the strong form of their top order. Brendon McCullum has three fifties in a row, and will be key again in applying the pressure on the opposition, creating greater freedom for Max Bryant and Chris Lynn to fire. Bryant and Lynn are also in fine form, and against a Thunder attack that has shown to struggle against attacking batting in BBL08, a big opportunity awaits. Remember, these three dominated the Thunder last week, and will be out to do it again to create a platform for a middle order that needs to step up.
Also, it would have been very pleasing for coach Daniel Vettori to see the Heat blow the Renegades away with the ball. Coming off their biggest ever win in BBL history, the Heat bowlers need to now perform across matches. Shane Watson and Anton Devcich will be crucial wickets at the top to target a Thunder middle order that struggled a touch against Adelaide Strikers on Sunday. Will it be another good night for the Heat?
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Key to a Sydney Thunder win
Shane Watson played his best innings by far in BBL08 in the last match. He took the Strikers’ attack apart, which paved the way to a competitive total. With Jos Buttler now in the Caribbean, Watson will again be crucial to the cause. However, he needs greater support from the likes of Anton Devcich, Callum Ferguson and Daniel Sams to ensure the Thunder are well placed for a competitive total. If they rely on one player, or a just a few spurts of brilliance, a defeat likely awaits.
Also, like the Heat, the Thunder restricted their opponents to under 100 in their last game. The men in green blew the Strikers away on a slow Spotless Stadium pitch, but the Gabba challenge will be different, with good batting conditions expected. The crucial question is can the Thunder get the better of the Heat’s top three? The likes of Gurinder Sandhu and Daniel Sams will be vital in setting up a platform for the spinners to maintain pressure on a Heat middle order that has been under par this tournament. Can the Thunder push clear of the other top four challengers?
Possible Playing 11
Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw and Joe Burns are all in action for Cricket Australia XI in the tour match against Sri Lanka. Sam Heazlett and Mark Steketee come into the 13-man squad.
Brisbane Heat Possible Playing 11: 1. Brendon McCullum, 2. Max Bryant, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. Alex Ross, 5. Sam Heazlett, 6. Jimmy Peirson, 7. Ben Cutting, 8. Mitch Swepson/Mark Steketee, 9. Josh Lalor, 10. Mujeeb ur Rahman, 11. Brendan Doggett
There is also a significant change to Sydney Thunder’s 13-man squad. Jason Sangha is playing Sri Lanka in the tour match, with Ryan Gibson coming into the squad.
Sydney Thunder Possible Playing 11: 1. Shane Watson (c), 2. Anton Devcich, 3. Callum Ferguson, 4. Ryan Gibson, 5. Daniel Sams, 6. Jay Lenton (wk), 7. Arjun Nair, 8. Chris Jordan, 9. Chris Green, 10. Gurinder Sandhu, 11. Fawad Ahmed
ALSO READ: My six key batting tips!
Dream11 Prediction
- Jay Lenton’s 27 off 16 balls vs Adelaide Strikers gives him the nod over Jimmy Peirson (85 runs across seven matches in BBL08).
- Chris Lynn has a brilliant record against Sydney Thunder. His last four scores against them are: 75 (32), 85* (48), 25 (9) and 54 (30).
- Brendon McCullum has three fifties in a row, and Max Bryant has a double figure score in every game, passing 30 four times with 26 fours and eight sixes for the tournament.
- Shane Watson is coming off a man of the match performance against Adelaide Strikers. He also had a good match the last time he played at the Gabba, scoring 56 (34).
- Callum Ferguson has two ducks in his past three innings, so Anton Devcich is perhaps a safer option with his all-round capabilities.
- Brendan Doggett has six wickets in his four BBL08 games so far.
PS I have partnered with the great team at onlinecricstore.com
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Stats and Facts
- Brisbane Heat have won seven of their last eight matches against Sydney Thunder, including the win last week.
- Only D’Arcy Short has scored more runs than Chris Lynn in BBL08.
- Brisbane Heat have lost six consecutive matches at the Gabba.
Match Prediction
Really difficult match to predict.
Brisbane Heat have struggled at home in recent times, but have an excellent record against Sydney Thunder. With their top order firing nicely, I will back the Heat to pick up an important win.
Thanks for reading!
Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder Preview Dream11
