Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11

BBL action returns after a two day break, and it is another important game in the race to the finals. However, will it be another one-sided game?

Melbourne Stars have rediscovered their groove, winning their past two matches. This has coincided with the return of their Australian ODI representatives, and led by Marcus Stoinis, finishing too strong for the Renegades and Strikers respectively. Stoinis has been picked in the Australian Test squad for the second Test against Sri Lanka starting Friday, but he will play this one, and could possibly miss no games for the Stars if he is not selected for the Test. Can he lead the Stars to a third straight win?

Brisbane Heat are now in must-win territory. They sit four points outside the BBL08 top four, but have two games in hand, which gives them a chance to put pressure on other challengers, including the Stars. However, their last two performances have been disappointing, luckily picking up a point against Sydney Thunder and then getting annihilated by Sydney Sixers in Sydney. They have had a week to prepare for this one, so they have to hit their straps right away in a huge week ahead.

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Key to a Melbourne Stars win

Marcus Stoinis has been unstoppable for the Stars, leading them brilliantly with both bat and ball. The Stars would have also been encouraged by Ben Dunk’s form against Adelaide Strikers, and the opening combination will again be key against the Heat. Like the Strikers, the Heat have their bowling issues, so an opportunity awaits for the Stars top three, which includes the in-form Peter Handscomb, to set up a strong platform for the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Nic Maddinson and Dwayne Bravo to launch.

A strong batting display puts significant pressure on the Heat’s batsmen to deliver. Brisbane Heat have often crumbled like a house of cards when their top three haven’t stepped up, and the onus will be on the Stars’ bowlers to get the better of the likes of Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn. Marcus Stoinis has also led brilliantly with the ball, taking 10 wickets in his last four, but the Stars have bowled well as a unit in recent games, and the same is needed to get the better of the Heat. Can the likes of Liam Plunkett and Dwayne Bravo stay in the wickets? Can Jackson Bird and Adam Zampa deliver at key stages of the innings? Sitting one point outside the top four, the Stars must deliver.

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Key to a Brisbane Heat win

The need for Brisbane Heat’s top three to perform can immediately come to mind, but their bowlers have to deliver in this one. Marcus Stoinis will be the crucial wicket at the top, given he has been central to everything good for the Stars in recent matches. Josh Lalor is coming off a five-wicket haul against the Sixers, so he will be key in thwarting the Stars’ progress, along with the likes of Mujeeb ur Rahman, Brendan Doggett and Ben Cutting to put pressure on the Stars’ middle order to try set a platform.

However, if the top three indeed don’t deliver, it is lights out for the Heat. Brendon McCullum, Max Bryant and Chris Lynn combined for 29 runs against the Sixers, of which 27 were scored by Brendon McCullum, which led to 98 all-out. These three will be key in setting a platform for the likes of Matt Renshaw, Jimmy Peirson and Ben Cutting – three players who must perform in a crucial game. Can Brisbane Heat get the better of Melbourne Stars’ in-form attack?

Possible Playing 11

Dan Worrall comes back to the Stars squad after injury. He could come into the XI for Tom O’Connell. Otherwise, there shouldn’t be too many surprises.

Melbourne Stars Possible Playing 11: 1. Marcus Stoinis, 2. Ben Dunk, 3. Peter Handscomb (wk), 4. Glenn Maxwell (c), 5. Nic Maddinson, 6. Dwayne Bravo, 7. Evan Gulbis, 8. Liam Plunkett, 9. Adam Zampa, 10. Jackson Bird, 11. Tom O’Connell/Dan Worrell.

Matt Renshaw comes into the Heat squad, replacing Sam Heazlett.

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

Dream11 Prediction

• Marcus Stoinis has scored 235 runs and taken 10 wickets in his last four BBL matches.
• Glenn Maxwell scored a half century against Brisbane Heat at the MCG last season. Nic Maddinson has struggled for form since his return.
• Chris Lynn is fourth highest scorer in BBL08 with 319, and possesses a strong record at the MCG. His last two innings on the ground: 63* (46), 56 (24).
• Mitch Swepson has picked up man of the match in his last two matches at the MCG vs Stars, with six wickets in his last three games there.
• Adam Zampa is wicketless against the Heat at the MCG in his last two games.
• Liam Plunkett has nine wickets in four BBL matches.

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Stats and Facts

• Brisbane Heat have a terrific record against Melbourne Stars, winning their last five games against them.
• Marcus Stoinis has the highest batting average of BBL08 (67.25).
• Melbourne Stars could move from fifth to second depending on their margin of victory.

Match Prediction

Melbourne Stars have struggled against Brisbane Heat in recent seasons. However, I am backing them to turn this record around and beat the Heat today.

Thanks for reading!

Also read: Does the MRF “Chase Master” make the top of the list? Top 10 cricket bats of 2019!

Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11 Prediction

Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11 Prediction