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BBL Knockout: On the charge Heat look to topple batting heavyweights Thunder

Abhishek Singh


Brisbane having defeated Perth Scorchers in their last league game to make it to the BBL Finals and then Adelaide Strikers in the Eliminator would look to make it three in three when they face the Sydney Thunder in the Knockout at the Manuka Oval on Sunday. The winner of this game would play the loser of the qualifier between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers. 

Heat have been able to click at the right time with the likes of Marnus Labuschagen bringing in all the energy at the right moment. However, Thunder is no pushover by any means and neither are they in a bad form. They beat Strikers comprehensively in their last game to march to the Knockout. Thus it promises to be a mouthwatering encounter at the Australian capital. 

Hales-storm to blow away the Heat wind

Alex Hales has been in the form of his life this BBL season and is one of the main reasons why the Thunder have progressed to the Knockouts even as their Trump cards Daniel Sams (remained injured for most games) and Chris Green couldn’t deliver much. The biggest plus point of Hales’ batting is that it hasn’t been one dimensional in any way. He has hit shots all around the park and the drives, which weren’t a prominent feature of his batting, have been at display quite often.

With 535 runs already in his kitty, Hales, 32 would be looking to at first go past his one highest total of 576 in a single season and then have an eye on Marcus Stoinis’ 705 as three good innings from him can not only fetch him 170 runs but also take thunder to their second BBL title as well. 

Alongside Hales, Tanveer Sangha’s form will play an important role too as the teenager, pumped up after the first call up for the senior Australian team, would look to go beyond his limits to get his team past the line against Heat. He has 21 wickets in 14 innings so far getting the tally up could help both his side as well as himself considering that Mini IPL auctions are nearing as well and he could be one of the biggest buys. The availability of Daniel Sams for this game is also going to be an exciting and important addition to the Thunder XI.  

Lynnsanity! The need of the hour for Heat

The Heat has been in the mix as the likes of Labuschagne, Mitchell Swepson and Jimmy Peirson have performed in an excellent manner. However, what they would want is the skipper Chris Lynn to get going as well because when he gets going, there is no one better than him at taking the game away from the opposition. 

In the entire tournament, Lynn has so far been superb, barring the last game. And with 426 runs in just 11 innings, this is also the most runs he has scored in any BBL season he has played so far. Having said that he hasn’t really been able to play the ‘Lynny’ innings or get on the Lynnsanity mode, where he hits big and also get a lot more runs. His highest score this season is just 69 and therefore a better and bigger inning is expected of him. 

Thunder vs Heat: Match Details

Match: Knockout

Date and Time: 31st January 2021 01:45 pm IST, 07:15 pm Local, 08.30 am GMT

Venue: Manuka Oval

Broadcast and Live Streaming: Sony SIX and Sony LIV

Pitch Report

Manuka Oval is a ground that gives everything to a T20 fan, some swing early on, some turn in the latter part of the innings, a true bounce for the ball to come nicely on the bat and that’s all that‘s really required for a perfect game. Thus on this pitch, the thing that matters is the skill of the players and how they execute it. 

Weather and Bat Flip

The weather in Canberra is predicted to be a bit on the chillier side with the temperature hovering between 17-21 degrees during the match hours. And with more than 70% cloud cover, swing will be on offer. The team winning the bat flip would look to bowl first without any doubt. 

Heat Strongest XI

Sam Heazlett, Chris Lynn (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Joe Denly, Joe Burns, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Lewis Gregory, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Ben Laughlin, Morne Morkel,

Thunder Strongest XI

Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (c), Sam Billings (wk), Alex Ross, Ben Cutting, Daniel Sams, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green, Adam Milne, Tanveer Sangha

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