Last Updated on 1 week by Charbel Coorey

Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11

If “one-sided” comes to mind when you look at this game, you’re not alone. However, T20 cricket can offer surprises, and the Heat will be hoping to cause one as they look to keep their keep their campaign alive.

To do that, they will have to get past top of the table Hobart Hurricanes. The Hurricanes return back to Hobart after a run of away trips to Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Sydney over the past couple of weeks. A beautiful Tuesday afternoon greets the top of the table side, who will be looking to bounce back after a heavy defeat to Sydney Sixers. Will the Hurricanes prove too strong?

Brisbane Heat’s season is now officially on life support. Their last three games have been very underwhelming, reaching peak disappointment in their last game against the Stars, where they made some incredibly poor decisions. Their bowling, often the weaker side of their game, held their own nicely in Melbourne, but then it was their batting that was the major letdown, failing to chase 134. With nothing short than four wins from four games needed to possibly sneak into the finals, the Heat have to put on a big showing against BBL08’s front runners.

Total cricket? More like total rubbish. Light hearted West Indies vs England Player Ratings.

“No more Cheteshwar Pujara!” Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Player Ratings.

Key to a Hobart Hurricanes win

Hobart Hurricanes’ top order was at it again nicely at the SCG last week, with Matthew Wade once again leading the way. He and D’Arcy Short will be key against a Heat attack known to struggle, and will look to dominate just as they did in the game against the Strikers a week ago. They can cause serious damage, along with Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott and George Bailey, who have all had good moments in recent matches. If the Hurricanes don’t allow the Heat to get a foothold in the game early with the ball, they have the resources to take full advantage. Will the batting fire once again?

However, the bowling struggled against the Sixers, possibly due to the impact of a number of matches right across Australia in a short space of time. Jofra Archer has the opportunity to hit his best form at the right time of the season to create an even stronger partnership with Riley Meredith, who will be looking to bounce back after one of his more difficult outings last time out. With James Faulkner still solid at the top, and Johan Botha announcing his immediate retirement, the Hurricanes are in need of early wickets to dismantle the Heat’s batting effort, which relies significantly on its top three as the last match showed. Will the Hurricanes return to winning ways?

Key to a Brisbane Heat win

The Heat can hope their old strategy comes to fruition in this clash, but they simply must deliver a consistent performance right across the match. They were good in spurts against the Stars, especially in the middle overs to restrict a good batting lineup to 134. Can the likes of Mujeeb ur Rahman, Josh Lalor and Brendan Doggett get early wickets to get a foothold in the game? Can Ben Cutting help also in limiting D’Arcy Short and Matthew Wade to get a shot at the likes of McDermott and Bailey as early as possible? In a must win game in good batting conditions, the bowlers need to hold their own.

However, while there were good moments for the Heat, there were also some very dumb ones. It is no secret that the Heat need their top three to fire. Max Bryant threatened to go really big against the Stars, and needs to deliver a fast start again, this time with greater output from Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn. The “Bash Brothers” combined for just 13 runs in the last match, with Lynn out to an awful shot for a duck, and if the same occurs in Hobart, the Heat can kiss their season goodbye. However, if they do fire, can the middle order take advantage? These are questions the Heat must answer positively in this match.

Possible Playing 11

Johan Botha has retired, replaced by Cricket Tasmania rookie Jarrod Freeman. He is a good chance of making his debut.

Hobart Hurricanes Possible Playing 11: 1. Matthew Wade (c & wk), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Caleb Jewell, 4. Ben McDermott, 5. George Bailey, 6. Simon Milenko, 7. James Faulkner, 8. Jarrod Freeman, 9. Jofra Archer, 10. Clive Rose, 11. Riley Meredith

Brisbane Heat have retained the same squad from their game against the Stars. They could stick with the same XI, too.

Brisbane Heat Possible Playing 11: 1. Max Bryant, 2. Brendon McCullum, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. Matthew Renshaw, 5. Alex Ross, 6. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 7. Ben Cutting, 8. Josh Lalor, 9. Brendan Doggett, 10. Mitchell Swepson, 11. Mujeeb ur Rahman

Match Prediction

Stats and Facts

• Hobart Hurricanes beat Brisbane Heat in the Gold Coast’s first ever BBL match earlier this season.
• Brisbane Heat are winless in their past three games.
• A win for Hobart Hurricanes will just about sew up a finals place.

Match Prediction

Picking Brisbane Heat in this match is one brave pick. Can’t see them winning.

I predict Hobart Hurricanes will win off the back of a solid all-round display, ending the Heat’s season in the process.

Thanks for reading!

Why not have a laugh? Light hearted West Indies vs England 1st Test Player Ratings!

Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11