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

Aaron Finch will represent the Renegades [Source: Twitter]

On Thursday, Melbourne Renegades will take on Brisbane Heat in the third match of the ongoing Big Bash League in Cairns. 

Both teams had a horrible journey in the tournament last season. While the Renegades were the bottom-sitters with only three wins from fourteen matches, the Heat finished just above them owing to a better net run rate. So, they will start from scratch when they take the field in the pursuit of redemption on Thursday. 

Despite Usman Khawaja being unavailable for the season opener, Brisbane Heat's batting unit looks solid with the presence of Jimmy Peirson, Max Bryant, Sam Billings and Colin Munro. Although they lack big names, their bowling unit is penetrative enough, studded with the likes of Mark Steketee and Mitchell Swepson. However, the experienced duo will need support from Xavier Bartlett and Matt Kuhnemann to neutralise the rampant Renegades. 

On the contrary, the Renegades seem much more formidable than their counterparts on both batting and bowling fronts. The likes of Aaron Finch, Nic Maddinson and Jon Wells form their batting core, while the presence of Kane Richardson, Akeal Hosein and Mujeeb Ur Rahman makes their bowling unit a potent one. Furthermore, the addition of Andre Russell has solved the finishing woes that let them down last year. 

Match Details

Date and Time: December 15, 01.45 PM IST
Venue: Cazalys Stadium, Cairns
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV App

Pitch Report: The surface at the Cazalys Stadium in Cairns traditionally assists batters. But the pitch slowed down with time in the recently held ODI series between Australia and New Zealand. So, if a similar track is dished, seamers with variations will enjoy bowling, and the toss-winner will likely opt to bat first. 

Predicted XIs

Brisbane Heat: Jimmy Peirson (C/WK), Colin Munro, Max Bryant, Sam Billings, Sam Heazlett, Jack Wildermuth, James Bazley, Xavier Bartlett, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson, Matt Kuhnemann

Melbourne Renegades: Nic Maddinson (C), Aaron Finch, Mackenzie Harvey, Sam Harper (WK), Jon Wells, Andre Russell, Will Sutherland, Akeal Hosein, Kane Richardson, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zak Evans

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-Keeper: Jimmy Peirson
Batters: Colin Munro, Jonathan Wells, Max Bryant, Aaron Finch
All-Rounders: Andre Russell, Jack Wildermuth
Bowlers: Kane Richardson, Mitchell Swepson, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mark Steketee

Captain: Andre Russell
Vice Captain: Kane Richardson

Prediction

Considering the strengths of both teams, we reckon Melbourne Renegades will emerge victorious in this match. 

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