Big Bash League 2022-23: Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars – 51st Match Preview and Updates

Cricket

The Brisbane Heat has two games left in their league stage and must win both to remain in contention for the playoffs. Heat successfully defended 162 runs against Hobart Hurricanes in their most recent match at The Gabba. After a 6-day break, the Melbourne Stars will play a BBL match.

The Stars’ most recent game was against Brisbane at the MCG, where Zampa and company were defeated by three wickets while defending 159 runs. Melbourne Stars are clearly out of playoff contention after only three wins in 12 games.

Khawaja hasn’t been in the best of form at the top. Though Matt Renshaw has been reliable in the middle order, the bowling attack has been crucial in the Heat’s recent victories.

The Stars’ most recent victory came against the Renegades while trailing by 109 runs. Since then, MLS has been out of shape and has looked weak as a batting unit. In the MLS bowling unit, keep an eye out for Liam Hatcher, Adam Zampa, and Hinchliffe.

The 51st Match between Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars will take place on January 22nd, 2023 at The Gabba, Brisbane.

Match Details to Note

Match: Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars, 51st Match, Big Bash League 2022-23

Date: January 22, 2023 (Sunday)

Time: 8:10 AM IST

Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane

Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars

Brisbane Heat (Match Odds – 1.70):

Preview:

The Brisbane Heat have found their groove just in time. The last three victories have propelled them to fifth place on the points table. If the Heat win their final two games, they will finish with 15 points and have a good chance of making the playoffs.

The middle order is currently the backbone of the Brisbane Heat’s batting. Renshaw and Labuschagne are dependable players to keep an eye on in BRH.

Lower in the order, Jimmy Pierson is another useful batter. Brisbane Heat’s recent results have been dismal. If they want to make the playoffs, they need to improve their offence.

In their most recent game against the Stars, they lost 7 wickets while chasing a 161-run target. The following game, the Brisbane Heat defeated the Hobart Hurricanes 162-6 after batting first.

The bowlers have dominated their recent victories. In the last two games, Neser took seven wickets. When the Brisbane Heat successfully defended 154 runs against the Strikers, James Bazley and Kuhnemann were the bowlers of choice.

The Brisbane Heat would like to see a better performance from their top order. A batting comeback will depend on Josh Brown and Usman Khawaja. A strong opening pairing would put the Brisbane Heat on the right track.

Full Squad:

Xavier Bartlett, James Bazley, Sam Billings, Max Bryant, Sam Hain, Sam Heazlett, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Colin Munro, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Ross Whiteley, Jack Wildermuth, Spencer Johnson, Will Prestwidge, Josh Brown

Possible Playing XI:

Josh Brown, Usman Khawaja (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Sam Hain, Jimmy Peirson (wk), James Bazley, Michael Neser, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann

Melbourne Stars (Match Odds – 2.15):

Preview:

If the Melbourne Stars win their remaining two games, they can add up to ten points to their total. In the last six days, the Stars have not played a single match. Their most recent game was against the Brisbane Heat, in which they scored only 159 runs.

Despite the fact that it wasn’t a safe total given how batting-friendly the venue was, the bowlers did an excellent job of defending the total. Liam Hatcher struck early, and later Hinchliffe and Zampa chipped in as the Stars reduced Heat to 4 for 59 runs in the ninth over.

These bowlers will be crucial for the Stars when they face the Heat in Brisbane. In their last two games, their batters have failed to score 160 runs. The key batsmen to watch out for in the Melbourne Stars lineup will be Joe Clarke, Thomas Rogers, and Nick Larkin.

Cartwright has consistently failed to score runs for the team in the middle of the order. Beau Webster, ranked fourth, is another important member of this lineup. Though he hasn’t recently played a big inning, he can make a big impact with quickfire innings.

He can also play an important role in forging a relationship with Larkin. This team lacks consistent match finishers, which is a significant weakness going into this match.

Full Squad:

Zak Evans, Aaron Finch, Akeal Hosein, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Mackenzie Harvey, Nic Maddinson (c), Shaun Marsh, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Jack Prestwidge, Ruwantha Kellapotha, Marcus Harris, Martin Guptill, Corey Rocchiccioli, Peter Handscomb

Possible Playing XI:

Joe Clarke (wk), Thomas Rogers, Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, James Seymour, Nick Larkin, Clint Hinchliffe, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Luke Wood, Liam Hatcher, Adam Zampa (c)

Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Head to Head

Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Head to Head Stats in T20s

	Matches Played	HEA Won	STA Won	Tie	NR
Overall	16	9	7	0	0

Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Toss Prediction

Teams batting first have won seven of the ten T20Is played at The Gabba so far. This season, the team batting first won three of four games. Both the Heat and the Stars are struggling at the plate and are unable to chase down a total. Their bowlers are more promising, and it would be ideal for both teams to bat first.

Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Pitch Report

In domestic T20s, the average first innings score at The Gabba is 165 runs. Though Brisbane defended 162 in their last visit here, a total of 180 or more would be considered competitive at this venue.

The pitch at The Gabba is evenly balanced. Both bowlers and batters can benefit from the surface. Pacers can get a lot of bounce out of the surface. The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies and a high temperature of 28 degrees Celsius.

Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Prediction

The Brisbane Heat is riding high after three straight victories, the most recent of which came at home. The Heat has a good home record. Stars have the ability to make a comeback and have a strong bowling attack. These two teams are likely to compete closely. However, given their current form and home advantage, the Brisbane Heat will have the upper hand and will begin as favourites in our match prediction. Check out the odds at Cricbaba!

Brisbane Heat is the favourite to beat Melbourne Stars at the odds of 1.70.

Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Most Recommended Player for Bet:

Chris Lynn has the ability to win the Match by himself. As a result, in the coming games, he must improve his consistency with the bat. Lynn has played well in the 11th edition, but he remains a dangerous player to keep an eye on in the next game.

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