Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers Predictions: BBL 54th Match Preview

It’s been a crazy few weeks of cricket in this year’s BBL. Almost every team has been moving all over the table, and multiple teams have come back from positions where it looked as though they might be left behind by quite a margin. The 54th match features two such teams. There were points in time when the these two teams were stuck at the bottom of the table with 3 losses and no wins to their name, but now the Brisbane Heat are in 6th place and within reach of the rest of the pack, while the Perth Scorchers have defied all expectations and capitalized on the Sixers’ stagnation to leapfrog into first place. Now, the Scorchers will be in the top Qualifier playoff slot no matter what, but the Heat need to win this if they want to qualify, so it’s do or die for them. Before this extremely important match gets under way, let’s take a look at the two sides.

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), Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Swepson, Ben Laughlin, Lewis Gregory.

Despite some shaky moments, the return of Marnus Labuschagne helped the Heat remain in contention for qualification. They’ve also already lost once to the Scorchers this season, so they will be looking to ride their revenge right into the playoffs. In their previous match, they were up against a defiant Melbourne Renegades. Batting first, the Heat were able to stack up a healthy 173 courtesy of Chris Lynn’s 52, Marnus Labuschagne’s 49, and Max Bryant’s 26. Their defense of that target wasn’t going too well early on, but the second half of it was absolutely in their favour. 

BH Key players

Chris Lynn: Starting to step up once again, the big man must do so one more time in order to take his team through.

Marnus Labuschagne: The right man at the right place can make all the difference in the world, and Labuschagne was that man for the Heat in the last match. 

Ben Laughlin: Back in the squad after a prolonged hiatus, the highest wicket-taker in the history of the BBL is yet to take a wicket this season, and we think that will change.

Mark Steketee: After falling behind Jhye Richardson, Steketee will be looking to catch up to the Purple Cap holder once more.

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. 

What a season it’s been for the Scorchers. From being in or near last place for the first four matches to first place before the end of the league stage. It has been a mature, solid comeback that promises a good playoff stage. In their previous match, Jason Roy’s 54 and Colin Munro’s 46 set them up, and a few cameos pushed it to for a powerful 182. On the defense, Andrew Tye was able to take two wickets while keeping things reasonable, but it was Jason Behrendorff’s maiden and a wicket that really sealed the deal for the Scorchers, who ultimately won by 11 runs.

PS Key players

Jason Roy: The recipient of the Player of the Match award in the last match makes this list, but not because of just that performance.

Colin Munro: Rapidly rising up the Orange Cap ladder, Munro has been excellent for his team in the latter half of the league stages.

Jhye Richardson: One relatively poor game does not determine a player’s level, and Richardson will surely bounce back from his dip.

Andrew Tye: Tye has been great upon his return, and his presence will strengthen the Scorchers’ bowling attack.

BH vs PS weather conditions and pitch report

It’s going to be a lovely cloudy and breezy day in Adelaide, but there’s a small chance for rain that might put a damper on the game. Those chasing high balls should also be wary of the strong breeze that will be blowing.

As has been seen lately, the speed and bounce of the Adelaide Oval pitch offers fast bowlers the chance to bend their backs, while also letting batsmen who are able to counteract that the chance to cut loose. Expect nothing short of 180 to be safe.

Can the Heat muster one final push to make the playoffs? Or will the Scorchers seal first place with yet another emphatic victory? Find out if our Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers predictions come true on Tuesday!