Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat Predictions: BBL10 44th Match Preview

With the tournament nearing its final leg, the Perth Scorchers find themselves in fourth place with four matches to go. Things could have been better, but their 5-match winning streak was ended by league leaders Sydney Sixers, and now they’ll have to win their next game to remain in the top 5. Next up, they’re up against a team with an identical struggle in the Brisbane Heat, who are a point behind them in fifth. The Heat recently bested last place Melbourne Renegades to get to this point, and although they lost their first engagement against the Scorchers last week, tomorrow’s a new day with a 50-50 chance. Before that chance leans one way or another, let’s take a look at the two teams.

Perth Scorchers predicted XI, preview, form, and key players for this match

Predicted XI: Ashton Turner (c), Colin Munro, Jason Roy, Jason Behrendorff, Fawad Ahmed, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (wk), Liam Livingstone, Cameron Bancroft, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye. 

As the saying goes, it’s not about how many times you fall down, but how many times you get back up. The Scorchers may have hit a hitch in their otherwise remarkable comeback, but this is where their resolve and mettle will be tested. In their previous match, the Scorchers were batting first against the Sixers, and doing remarkably well. Although Jason Roy fell relatively early, Liam Livingstone’s 67 alongside Colin Munro’s 34 helped them get a solid start. The problem was, after Livingstone fell, no other batsman could do much, with the team eventually stalling at 163 after a thoroughly underwhelming last 10 overs. When it came time to bowl, they performed similarly, with only Jason Behrendorff managing to do well for his figures of 4-0-19-1. Turner’s men eventually lost by 7 wickets with 7 deliveries to go.

PS Key players

Liam Livingstone: After his solid batting the other day, we’re eager to see more of Livingstone’s hitting.

Jason Roy: Let’s face it, we all know that if Roy gets going, no matter what bowling attack is on the other end, they’re in trouble.

Jason Behrendorff: Following his performance in the last match, Behrendorff will want to continue in the same vein.

Jhye Richardson: It’s just impossible to keep this man’s name out of the key players’ list, and all you need to do to know why is check out his recent record.

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, Matthew Kuhnemann, Jack Wildermuth, Lewis Gregory.

The Heat might be in fifth place, but the fact that their last 4 fixtures are all against teams outside the top 3 makes them one of the favourites to qualify - if they can make the best of the opportunity. Last time they took the field, it was against last place Melbourne Renegades who batted first. Although Mark Steketee was the only bowler to take more than one wicket, most of the bowlers were economical, and managed to limit their opponents to a mediocre 149. On the chase, Chris Lynn led the way with a half century while Joes Denly and Burns scored 31 each to get the team to 150 with 5 wickets and 8 deliveries in hand. 

BH Key players 

• Chris Lynn: The captain has been fighting tooth and nail to get his team to qualify, and with some luck, he might just succeed.

• Joe Burns: After his hard-hitting match-winning 31 in the last game, Burns will be expected more from. 

• Mark Steketee: The dark horse of BBL10 bowlers, Steketee has done extremely well and is in a tight contest for the Purple Cap.

• Matthew Kuhnemann: Given his excellent economical performance last time, Kuhnemann’s slow left arm orthodox should be right at home at the current MCG pitch.

PS vs BH weather and pitch conditions

It’s going to be a chilly day in Melbourne when these two meet, with temperatures hovering in the teens and a decent breeze blowing. There will also be quite a few clouds in the sky, but the chances of rain are little to none. Given the timing of the match and the weather conditions, those bowling in the second innings might also have trouble with dew.

A decent batting surface coexists with good support for spinners at the MCG. Since the Scorchers don’t have spinners, both teams might want to field first. Whoever ends up batting first will want to score at least 175 to feel safe.

Can the Scorchers burn the Heat to take an important step towards ensuring qualification? Or will the Heat prove too hot to handle? Find out if our Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat predictions come true on Tuesday!