Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Sydney Sixers vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11
Five games to go for Sydney Sixers. Six for Brisbane Heat.
Both sides are coming off poor showings in their respective last games, and the time is now to rectify that, as the group stage starts to reach its business stage.
Sydney Sixers were particularly horrible in their thrashing at the hands of the Melbourne Renegades. Their batting performance lacked runs and was full of soft dismissals, with the game as good as over even before Tom Curran played a fine lone hand. The Sixers have put together some fine performances in BBL08, but a poor one is always around the corner, and the time is now to put consistent performances together. A win tonight will put the Sixers in the top four – can they step up?
Brisbane Heat have also been up and down in recent matches, with a floodlight failure the catalyst of a very lucky escape in their last match against Sydney Thunder. Their reliance on their top order is still there for everyone to see, and need a big performance once again from their top three if they are to keep their finals push alive. However, they have shown some form with the ball – particularly last week vs Melbourne Renegades – can they cause further problems for the Sydney Sixers’ lineup?
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Key to a Sydney Sixers win
Lots of top order and powerplay wickets have hurt the Sixers on a number of occasions in BBL08. This again was at the fore of their latest capitulation, falling to 16/3 after 4.5, 29/4 after 8.2 and 51/5 after 11 overs to render the game as good as over against the Renegades. Here, the top order must deliver to give the Sixers a chance to compete against a side that prides itself on top order runs. Jack Edwards is yet to fire in BBL08, and the time is now for him, along with Daniel Hughes at the top who has shown some good form this tournament. Can they put on a good opening stand, paving the way for the likes of James Vince, Moises Henriques and Jordan Silk to set a strong platform for Tom Curran to go hard in the death overs? To win the game, this is the template the Sixers must follow.
Also, the Sixers have the resources to pick up powerplay wickets. Brisbane Heat rely significantly on Brendon McCullum, Max Bryant and Chris Lynn to score big runs, so if the Sixers can get at least two of these three out relatively early, they have a strong foothold in the game, just as was the case in the New Years’ Day clash between these sides. Steve O’Keefe with the new ball might be a viable option against the Heat, who love pace on the ball, and will be key along with Tom Curran and Sean Abbott who are perennial wicket takers in T20 cricket. Will it be the night of the Sixers?
Key to a Brisbane Heat win
Max Bryant, Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn have been central to the Heat’s victories so far in BBL08, and the same remains. They were 10/2 in no time vs Sydney Thunder, and it was likely game over, which highlighted the importance of the top order. An opportunity is available tonight to get into the BBL08 top four, and if the top three can set a platform, the Heat middle order possesses power especially in the form of Ben Cutting that can take advantage. A strong batting performance that sees the Heat top order significantly outperform the Sixers’ can go a long way to victory.
Indeed, a big question is whether the Heat attack can open up the Sixers’ top order wounds. Jack Prestwidge, if selected, can be a key bowler, given the encouraging signs he showed against Sydney Thunder. However, the likes of Josh Lalor, Brendan Doggett, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Mitch Swepson need to ensure a cohesive bowling performance, much like the Renegades did the other night, to pile on the pressure on the Sixers from all angles. Can they have the Sixers relying on Tom Curran and Sean Abbott for runs?
Possible Playing 11
Sydney Sixers have picked the same 13-man squad from their awful night against the Renegades. They are likely to stick with the same XI.
Sydney Sixers Possible Playing 11: 1. Jack Edwards, 2. Daniel Hughes, 3. James Vince, 4. Moises Henriques (c), 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Josh Phillipe (wk), 7. Tom Curran, 8. Sean Abbott, 9. Steve O’Keefe, 10. Ben Dwarshuis, 11. Ben Manenti
Brisbane Heat have added spinner Matt Kuhnemann to their 13-man squad, replacing Mark Steketee. He could possibly be chosen over Jack Prestwidge.
Brisbane Heat Possible Playing 11: 1. Max Bryant, 2. Brendon McCullum, 3. Chris Lynn, 4. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 5. Alex Ross, 6. Ben Cutting, 7. Mitchell Swepson, 8. Jack Prestwidge/Matt Kuhnemann 9. Josh Lalor, 10. Brendan Doggett, 11. Mujeeb ur Rahman
Dream11 Prediction
- Jimmy Peirson is likely to bat higher up the order than Josh Phillipe.
- Daniel Hughes has an excellent record against Brisbane Heat. He scored only two against the Heat earlier this season, but his previous three scores read: 37, 46 and 85.
- Only D’Arcy Short has more runs in BBL08 than Chris Lynn. Max Bryant continues to offer excellent value.
- Moises Henriques was man of the match against Brisbane Heat earlier this season. Tom Curran continues to have an outstanding season, and can offer plenty with both bat and ball. He is coming off a fine 44 vs Melbourne Renegades.
- Jordan Silk has a good record at the SCG this season, but misses out just over Hughes and Henriques who have enjoyed success against the Heat in recent times.
- Sean Abbott also has a fantastic record against the Heat, taking 4/11 last season when the Sixers rolled the Heat for 73.
- Mujeeb ur Rahman is blowing hot and cold at the moment, taking just five wickets in his past six games. Brendan Doggett has seven in his last five.
Stats and Facts
- Sydney Sixers have won eight of the nine matches against Brisbane Heat.
- The winner of this clash will move into the BBL08 top four.
- Brisbane Heat have won three of their last four completed matches.
Match Prediction
Both sides have their flaws, but it has the makings for a good battle.
Sydney Sixers have an excellent record against Brisbane Heat, and I think it will continue with a much improved performance from the Sixers.
Thanks for reading!
PS I have partnered with the great team at onlinecricstore.com
- Purchase any cricket item and get a special discount with my name code: CHARBEL5
- Hope you enjoy my cricket tips on the OnlineCricStore Blog!
Sydney Sixers vs Brisbane Heat Preview Dream11
