BBL Challenger, Sixers vs Heat: Preview, Key Players, Probable XIs and Prediction

Sydney Sixers team players [Source: Twitter]

On Thursday, Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat will lock horns with each other in the Challenger of the ongoing Big Bash League. The game is scheduled at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. 

The Sixers had a poor start to their BBL 12 campaign, losing their first two matches comprehensively. However, they bounced back in time and managed ten wins in their subsequent twelve fixtures to claim a berth in the playoffs. But unfortunately, they lost to the rampant Scorchers in the qualifier, falling prey to the sheer brilliance of Ashton Turner on Saturday. 

On the other hand, Brisbane Heat began their BBL 12 disastrously, suffering four crushing defeats in their first seven matches. But they regrouped and ensured a dramatic turnaround, which saw them qualify for the playoffs. Furthermore, they stunned the hosts Melbourne Renegades in the knockout to seal their place in the challenger. However, the biggest challenge for the Heat will be the absence of some key players, who have departed for India to participate in the upcoming four-match Test series. 

Match Details

Date and Time: February 2, 01.45 PM IST
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV

Pitch Report: The surface of the iconic SCG will have minimal seam movement and an even bounce on it. The venue traditionally assists batters, but scoring will be difficult with time, as spinners will get ample assistance off the deck. So, the toss-winner might opt to bat first. 

Key Players

• Jordan Silk: 353 Runs, Average: 50.42, Strike Rate: 129.77
• Jimmy Peirson: 324 Runs, Average: 27, Strike Rate: 118.68
• Sean Abbott: 28 Wickets, Average: 14.07, Strike Rate: 10.8
• Michael Neser: 24 Wickets, Average: 17.87, Strike Rate: 12.7

Probable XIs

Sydney Sixers: Josh Philippe, Kurtis Patterson, Daniel Hughes, Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk, Dan Christian, Hayden Kerr, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Steve O'Keefe, Izharulhaq Naveed

Brisbane Heat: Max Bryant, Josh Brown, Sam Heazlett, Ross Whiteley, Sam Hain, Jimmy Peirson (C/WK), James Bazley, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann

Prediction

The Heat will miss their key players Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja. On the contrary, the Sixers will field their first-choice players and have the advantage of playing at home. So, we expect Sydney Sixers to emerge victorious in this match. 

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