Big Bash League, Renegades vs Heat: Preview, Prediction, Fantasy Tips

Brisbane Heat were defeated convincingly in the first game [Source: Twitter]

The tenth fixture of the Big Bash League will see the battle between Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat in Geelong. 

This will be the second clash between these two teams this season. The Renegades sealed an easy win in the previous face-off, courtesy of a match-winning knock from Nic Maddinson and a superb collective bowling effort. 

Team Preview: Melbourne Renegades

The Renegades have had an outstanding campaign so far, placed second in the points table with two consecutive victories. 

Two stalwarts of Victorian cricket, Nic Maddinson and Aaron Finch, have led from the front with the bat, while their bowlers have been equally good, picking wickets regularly and controlling the flow of runs. 

However, they would like better returns from the experienced Jon Wells, who has managed only 13 runs across two innings. 

Team Preview: Brisbane Heat

The Heat had a poor start to their BBL 12 campaign, losing to the Renegades by 22 runs in their opening fixture. 

Although their spinners performed admirably, they would like their seamers, particularly Xavier Bartlett, to step up and pick wickets with the new ball. 

Their batters, barring Colin Munro, Jimmy Peirson and Ross Whiteley, were even more disappointing, as they failed to chase 167 on a decent batting deck. 

Match Details

Date and Time: December 21, 01.45 PM IST
Venue: Simonds Stadium, Geelong
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV App

Pitch Report: The surface in Geelong traditionally stays two-paced. So, pacers with variations get ample support and batting becomes difficult with time. So, the ideal ploy for the toss-winner at this venue will be to bat first. 

Predicted XIs

Both teams will likely go with the same team they fielded in their respective previous fixtures. 

Melbourne Renegades: Sam Harper (WK), Nic Maddinson (C), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Finch, Jon Wells, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Will Sutherland, Tom Rogers, Kane Richardson, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Brisbane Heat: Josh Brown, Max Bryant, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Jimmy Peirson (WK/C), Ross Whiteley, James Bazley, Mark Steketee, Xavier Bartlett, Mitch Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-Keeper: Jimmy Peirson
Batters: Aaron Finch, Colin Munro, Ross Whiteley
All-Rounders: Andre Russell, Nic Maddinson, James Bazley
Bowlers: Akeal Hosein, Matthew Kuhnemann, Kane Richardson, Mark Steketee

Captain: Nic Maddinson
Vice Captain: Andre Russell

Prediction

The Renegades have been phenomenal on both batting and bowling fronts. Additionally, the surface in Geelong will suit their bowlers more than their opponents. So, in all likelihood, the Renegades will secure their third win of this season. 

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