Big Bash League, Thunder vs Heat: Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips
The Thunder have had a disastrous BBL campaign so far [Source: Twitter]
On Tuesday, hosts Sydney Thunder will take on Brisbane Heat in the 17th league-stage encounter of the ongoing Big Bash League. This is a must-win encounter for the Thunder, as a loss here will further dent their chances of qualifying for the knockouts.
Team Preview: Sydney Thunder
After somehow securing a narrow one-wicket win over the Stars in their opening clash, the Thunder lost the momentum completely, losing their next three fixtures.
They have been inconsistent with bat and ball. Additionally, Jason Sangha has been ruled out of the tournament, while Fazalhaq Farooqi's contract has been terminated due to off-field misconduct. The absence of these two will adversely affect their BBL campaign.
However, they still have some impact players in Alex Hales, Rilee Rossouw, Gurinder Sandhu and Alex Ross, who, alongside skipper Chris Green, must step up to bring them back on the winning track.
Team Preview: Brisbane Heat
On the contrary, the Heat started their campaign in a disastrous fashion, being crushed by the Renegades in their first two encounters. However, they finally tasted victory against the rampant Strikers in their third game, which must have boosted their morale.
They have been pretty decent with the ball so far, as the likes of Mark Steketee and Michael Neser have struck at crucial times. The spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has also done his job effectively, scalping four wickets at a superb economy of 6.80.
Their batting, blown away by the Renegades in the first two fixtures, finally fired against the Strikers as Sam Billings and Max Bryant stepped up, powering them to a defendable total. So, moving on to this game, the visitors would like this consistency from their key members.
Match Details
Date and Time: December 27, 01.45 PM IST
Venue: Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV App
Pitch Report: The surface at the Sydney Showground stadium had ample assistance for the fast bowlers in the latter half of the last game played here. Teams batting first have won 52 per cent of matches here. So, considering these facts, the toss-winning team will likely bat first in this match.
Predicted XIs
The Thunder have named Sam Whiteman in their squad, so he might replace Matthew Gilkes, who has done absolutely nothing with the bat so far. Also, Usman Qadir might make his debut for the Thunder, replacing Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Meanwhile, Brisbane Heat will likely continue with the same team.
Sydney Thunder: Alex Hales, Sam Whiteman (WK), Rilee Rossouw, Oliver Davies, Daniel Sams, Alex Ross, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green (C), Gurinder Sandhu, Brendan Doggett, Usman Qadir
Brisbane Heat: Max Bryant, Colin Munro, Matt Renshaw, Sam Billings, Jimmy Peirson (C/WK), Ross Whiteley, Michael Neser, James Bazley, Mark Steketee, Matthew Kuhnemann
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Sam Billings, Jimmy Peirson
Batters: Alex Hales, Rilee Rossouw, Oliver Davies
All-Rounders: Daniel Sams, Michael Neser, Matt Renshaw
Bowlers: Mark Steketee, Gurinder Sandhu, Matthew Kuhnemann
Captain: Sam Billings
Vice Captain: Daniel Sams
Prediction
Considering the strengths of both teams, we reckon the Thunder will break their losing streak in this match. However, the Heat are pretty much capable of upsetting them, and we shouldn't be surprised if they end up winning the game.
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