The Scorchers take on Heat in Match 35 of BBL 2023-24 [X.com]
Perth Scorchers will take on Brisbane Heat in a return clash of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 on Saturday (January 13) at the Perth Stadium in Western Australia.
The Scorchers, who have been pipped to bag the numero uno slot by their Brisbane counterparts, require a victory to consolidate their second spot in the eight-team tournament standings.
For the Heat, however, it's an opportunity to once again flex their muscles and reign supreme over their historic arch-rivals before entering the playoffs stage of the competition.
SCO vs HEA: Team Previews
Perth Scorchers
The Scorchers would've been livid to have conceded a high-scoring bout to the Heat in the two teams' previous league game on Wednesday (January 10) when spinner Ashton Agar, with figures of 2 for 29 and an explosive knock of 51 off 29 from Laurie Evans were their only positives.
The rest of the line-up failed to withstand Heat's excellent winning juggernaut after a terrific team effort, something the Scorchers will have to replicate if they are to turn the tables against their nemesis.
A stronger bowling display would go a long way in easing some of the burden shared by the batters as key men Jason Behrendorff and Jhye Richardson faltered miserably in their respective spells and allowed the Brisbane club to post a huge score of 191/6.
Richardson will now leave a hole in the Scorchers' attack to be filled after being ruled out for the rest of the season with injury.
Brisbane Heat
Munro has been the stand-out batter for Heat [X.com]
The campaign couldn't have gone more perfectly for the Heat as they continue to raise their game with each outing. They became the team to not just qualify first but also secure a top slot in the tournament points table with a win over Scorchers, their seventh for an undefeated season so far.
Like every successful T20 side, the Heat have rallied more on the shoulders of their bowlers than the batters in this edition of the BBL. While the likes of Xavier Bartlett, Paul Walter, Matthew Kuhnemann and Mitchell Swepson have taken 43 scalps between them at an economy rate of just above seven an over, only one of the Heat batters - overseas signing Colin Munro (224) - has struck over 200 runs for the campaign.
The Heat will be hoping for greater performances on the batting front as they head deeper into the competition, and a comprehensive display over Scorchers would be a perfect boost to their confidence and chances before the first playoffs fixture.
SCO vs HEA: Match Details & Live Streaming
| Match Details | |
|---|---|
| Date | January 13, 2024 |
| Venue | Perth Stadium, Perth |
| Time | 10:45 AM IST |
| Broadcast & Live Streaming | Star Sports, Disney+Hotstar |
SCO vs HEA: Perth Pitch Report
One of the fastest and bounciest tracks in the world, Perth presents its own traditional challenges to batters in Test cricket but transforms into a lovely batting destination once the battleground shifts to the T20 format.
The ground's renowned bouncy track aids natural stroke-making once the grass is shaved off, and there is no lateral movement or disconcerting bounce on offer for the pacers. Expect a flat deck for the Scorchers' repeat clash of the season versus the Heat.
SCO vs HEA: Probable Playing XIs
Perth Scorchers: Zak Crawley, Sam Whiteman, Aaron Hardie (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Laurie Evans, Cooper Connolly, Ashton Agar, Andrew Tye, Hamish McKenzie, Jason Behrendorff, Lance Morris
Brisbane Heat: Usman Khawaja (c), Colin Munro, Marnus Labuschagne, Sam Billings (wk), Matt Renshaw, Paul Walter, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann
SCO vs HEA: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
| Roles | Players |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeepers | Josh Inglis, Sam Billings |
| Batters | Zak Crawley, Usman Khawaja, Colin Munro, Laurie Evans |
| Allrounders | Ashton Agar, Michael Neser |
| Bowlers | Xavier Bartlett, Jason Behrendorff, Mitchell Swepson |
| Captain | Colin Munro |
| Vice-captain | Michael Neser |
SCO vs HEA: Winner Prediction
The Heat have been playing a top brand of cricket in this edition of the BBL. With their prominent Australian internationals and overseas signings available and shining, this could be another major victory for them.
 "Kashish Chadha")
