BBL 2023-24 | HEA vs STR, Challenger- Top Captain and Vice-Captain Choices

image-lrnb7jfyMichael Neser will be a good choice in the fantasy contests of the match (Source: x.com)

The 13th edition of Big Bash League is in its final stages with just two matches left in the bank. The Challenger encounter will see Brisbane Heat lock horns with Adelaide Strikers in the Carrara Oval, Queensland. The winner will reach the finals whereas the loser will bow out of the tournament. The game is slated to begin at 1:45 PM IST.

The Heat topped the points table chart during the league stages but suffered a loss in the hands of Sydney Sixers in the first Qualifier match. The loss of Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne due to international commitments have disbalanced the composition and the side failed to gel up well in their last match. However, they have a final chance to make it to the finals now. Meanwhile, the Strikers were racked in the middle of the points table halfway through the competition and with some series of wins creeped up at no . 4. After defending a low total against the Perth Scorchers, the Matt Short-led unit will eye their chance to make the final after a win in the Challenger.

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HEA vs STR, Challenger- Toss Factor

The Carrara Oval has seen more low-scoring encounters than high-scoring matches. It's a good testing ground for the batters as the ball does not come to the bat with ease. The pacers tend to enjoy it here and the ball nips at the start creating doubt in the mind of the batters.

Scenario: If Brisbane Heat field first

The Heat will depend a lot on their bowling to topple the opposition to a low score. The likes of Spencer Johnson, Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett will be crucial with the bat for them. In addition, they played on this venue in their last game and should be more familiar.

Scenario: If Adelaide Strikers field first

The Strikers are quite comfortable in chasing and relies heavily on their top-order. Matt Short, D’Arcy Short and Jake Weatherald are very indispensable assets for the side when it comes to chasing totals.


HEA vs STR, Challenger- Top Captain and Vice-Captain Choices

Scenario: If Brisbane Heat fields first

Michael Neser (HEA): The pace bowling all-rounder is one of the key elements of the table-toppers. Neser has the ability to hit consistent lines and make the ball talk just enough to bring the edges of the bat into play. Also, Neser can be very handy with the bat in hand. He smashed a brilliant knock of 30-ball 60* a few days back.

Jake Weatherald (STR): The experienced Australian veteran has been a good fill for in-form Chris Lynn. Weatherald has the ability to read situations and act accordingly. He piled up 196 runs from six innings that includes two fifties in his last three games.


Scenario: If Adelaide Strikers field first

Matt Short (STR): The Australian all-rounder has stockpiled 522 runs in the tourney so far and is the leading run-getter in BBL13 thus far. Short has been explosive at the top of the order and his consistency in winning matches for the team makes him apart from other batters. Short can also turn out with the ball in hand and pick crucial wickets inside the powerplay and the middle overs phases.

Josh Brown (HEA): The top order batter will have to bat in a matured fashion in this do-or-die contest. He has smashed 173 runs in the tournament and is the highest run-getter for the Brisbane-based side in the coveted mega-event. He is attacking in nature and does not shy from taking the new ball bowlers to the cleaners.


HEA vs STR, Challenger- High Risk, High Reward Choices

Cameron Boyce (STR): The right arm leg-spinner is getting better with time he scalped a three-fer against the Scorchers in their recent game and was clinical with his mix-ups. Boyce has snapped twelve wickets in the ongoing BBL so far and will be key during the middle overs phase for the Strikers.

Spencer Johnson (HEA): The left-arm pacer has the ability to dismantle the opposition on his day. He has good pace and gets the new ball to swing into the right-hander. Although the young gun hasn't picked wickets in bulk this season, he has been lacking a wicket on rare occasions. With nine wickets from twelve matches, the West Australian is likely to get the best purchase off the surface.