BBL 12, Hurricanes vs Heat: Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips

Brisbane Heat have been clinical of late [Source: Twitter]

On Wednesday, Brisbane Heat will cross swords against Hobart Hurricanes in the 55th match of the Big Bash League in Launceston. This match holds significant importance for the Heat, as a win here will consolidate them at the third position in the standings. 

Brisbane Heat had an abysmal start to their BBL 12 campaign, losing six of their first nine matches. However, they fought back remarkably, registering clinical victories in their subsequent four fixtures. While Michael Neser continues to be a reliable weapon with the ball, their batting unit led by Matt Renshaw, Sam Hain and Jimmy Peirson have stepped up in crucial junctures. So, moving on to this clash, the Heat will be raring to sustain their winning runs and seal a berth in the playoffs. 

Meanwhile, Hobart Hurricanes have been patchy in the tournament. Their bowling unit, led by Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith and Patrick Dooley, has been influential, while the batters have let them down. Although Caleb Jewel and Tim David have done their respective jobs, the inconsistency of Matthew Wade, Zak Crawley and Ben McDermott has proved costly for them. So, the Hurricanes will be aiming at finishing the tournament on a high note when they enter the field on Wednesday. 

Match Details

Date and Time: January 25, 08.10 AM IST
Venue: Aurora Stadium, Launceston
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and SonyLiv

Pitch Report: The surface at the Aurora Stadium in Launceston will be favourable for batting. Seamers will get marginal help off the deck, while the spinners might get substantial assistance in the latter half. So, the toss-winner will likely opt to bat first. 

Predicted XIs

Hobart Hurricanes: Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Zak Crawley, Matthew Wade (C/WK), Tim David, D'Arcy Short, Faheem Ashraf, Joel Paris, Nathan Ellis, Patrick Dooley, Riley Meredith

Brisbane Heat: Josh Brown, Usman Khawaja (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Sam Hain, Jimmy Peirson (WK), Michael Neser, James Bazley, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-keepers: Matthew Wade, Jimmy Peirson
Batters: Zak Crawley, Tim David, Sam Hain
All-Rounders: Michael Neser, Matt Renshaw, James Bazley
Bowlers: Riley Meredith, Patrick Dooley, Nathan Ellis/Matthew Kuhnemann

Captain: Matt Renshaw
Vice Captain: Tim David

Prediction

Considering the strengths and recent form of both teams, we reckon Brisbane Heat will emerge victorious in the match. 

Also Read: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill record the highest ODI opening stand for IND against NZ