Finished.150/5 (18.4) - 149/6 (20) |
Following their defeat to the Sydney Sixers, and given the rampage the Perth Scorchers have been on, the Brisbane Heat have slipped out of the top 5. While the Heat still have a match in hand over the two teams immediately above them, they will need to win it in order to compete with them. Next up, they face the Melbourne Renegades, who have finally won a match after 7 matches of getting absolutely destroyed for the most part. They have 5 matches remaining, and if they win all of them they might just sneak into the playoffs. Both teams need the win, but for the Renegades it’s literally their last shot. Before this exciting high-stakes fixture begins, let’s take a look at the two teams.
Brisbane Heat predicted XI, preview, form, and key players for this match
Predicted XI: Chris Lynn (c), Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Joe Burns, Mark Steketee, Joe Denly, Jimmy Peirson (wk), James Bazley, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jack Wildermuth, Lewis Gregory.
The Heat may have come a long way since their terrible start, but their redemption hasn’t been strong enough to confirm them a place in the second round yet. In their last game, they were put in to bat first, and although Chris Lynn did well for his 56, he just couldn’t find a decent partner as the Heat kept losing wickets. Other than Lynn, the only person who did well was Lewis Gregory with 26, and the Heat cooled down for 148 off the last ball of the innings. Their defense of that target started well, but despite Jack Wildermuth, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and James Bazley all picking up two, they just couldn’t stop the Sixers from getting to their target off the last ball of the match.
BH Key players
Chris Lynn: The Heat’s captain has been his usual excellent self, and although that hasn’t been enough, it’s been the best effort.
Joe Denly: Despite his poor run in the last two matches, Denly still packs a punch when he gets going, and we think he will do so this game.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman: Rashid Khan’s heir apparent will be ready to spin quite a thread of traps for the opponents at the Manuka Oval.
Jack Wildermuth: The all-rounder has been great for his team, and deserves a spot on this list in terms of potential alone.Â
Melbourne Renegades predicted XI, preview, form, and key players for this match
Predicted XI: Aaron Finch (c), Beau Webster, Mackenzie Harvey, Sam Harper (wk), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Kane Richardson, Jack Prestwidge, Peter Hatzoglou, Rilee Rossouw, Noor Ahmad, Imad Wasim.
Part of the Renegades will be jubilant that they finally managed to win a match again, and part of them will be sad that the person most directly responsible - Mohammad Nabi - has left for international duty. Nevertheless, they still have plenty of potential and just need a string of good days. In their last match, things looked grim early on as despite a triple strike by Peter Hatzoglou and a double by Jack Prestwidge, the Strikers put up a strong 177 at the Adelaide Oval. On the chase, things seemed to be dismal as usual for the Renegades until Mohammad Nabi unleashed his wrath with a fantastic 71 off 41. With support from Jake Fraser-McGurk (29) and a whopping 14 leg byes and a bye, the Renegades were able to close the win with 6 wickets and a delivery to spare.Â
MR Key players
Aaron Finch: Finch is just about the only man who can excel with the bat and help the Renegades win four in a row.Â
Rilee Rossouw: Most likely back in the side following Nabi’s departure, Rossouw badly needs to step his game up if his team are to qualify.
Peter Hatzoglou: The spin talent will love the Canberra pitch, which is excellent for good turners of the ball.
Noor Ahmad: Another spinner who will love the surface, the young Afghan talent hasn’t had the success he would have hoped, and needs to step his game up.
BH vs MR weather and pitch conditions
It’s going to be a sunny, hot day for most of Thursday, but the lack of any real chance of rain and the nice breeze should make it a good day for cricket.
As we have stated before, the Manuka Oval pitch is decent for batting, but a little more than decent for spinners. Expect the batsmen to struggle with handling the turn.
Can the Heat march right back into the playoff spots? Or will the Renegades give it their all to continue what will undoubtedly be an incredible comeback? Find out if our Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Renegades prediction comes true on Thursday!
Match Winner: |
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Melbourne Renegades |
Toss: |
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BH |
BH Top Batsman: |
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J Denly |
MR Top Batsman: |
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A Finch |
BH Top Bowler (Wickets): |
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M Ur Rahman |
MR Top Bowler (Wickets): |
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P Hatzoglou |
Players to score a fifty: |
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C Lynn/J Denly (BH), A Finch/R Rossouw (MR) |
Most fours: |
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MR |
Most sixes: |
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BH |