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After losing out to the Brisbane Heat and seeing them waltz above them in the Big Bash League standings, the Adelaide Strikers get a chance to gain revenge at Adelaide Oval on Friday.
The Strikers have nine points so far (W4, L4, NR1), but have won just one of their last five matches. The Heat have ten points thus far (W5, L4) and are on an upswing of fortunes. With four wins in their last five matches, there is no denying the fact that it is the Heat that have the upper hand ahead of the first ball.
Adelaide Strikers
The loss of Alex Carey has hit the Strikers’ batting, with a large share of responsibility falling upon Jon Wells (306 runs, SR 131.89). Unfortunately for them, Jake Weatherald’s form has dipped a little (299 runs, SR 152.55). The Strikers will be desperate for their captain Travis Head (30 runs) to find his feet.
Rashid Khan (15 wickets, ER 7.20) has been really getting into the groove and has seven wickets in his last three matches. Peter Siddle (ten wickets, ER 6.64) had a bit of a hit on his hand, but should play for the Strikers and will be crucial to hopes of getting back to winning ways.
Brisbane Heat
The arrival of AB de Villiers (40 off 32) gave the Heat a whole new dimension in their last match against the Strikers. Matt Renshaw (218 runs, SR 128.99) is enjoying his role too, while Chris Lynn (265 runs, SR 160.60) could finally have some pressure taken off his shoulders.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman returned to the ranks with a tidy spell (4-0-14-0) and should make the Heat bowling unit a bit more formidable. It is the return of James Pattinson (5/33 vs Strikers) that gives them a massive edge. The likes of Josh Lalor (11 wickets) can now breathe easy.
Match Up
The Heat swamped the Strikers all over with an all-round performance in the previous game. It was one of those off-days for the Strikers, where they came second-best in nearly every department. That said, the Heat deserved their points and should be confident of winning this fixture as well. The presence of AB and the strengthening of their bowling makes the Heat strong contenders. However, the Strikers will be a wounded tiger and this match could be a lot closer than the previous H2H.
History & Statistics
- The Strikers have lost four of five H2Hs played at Adelaide Oval.
- The Strikers had the best opening partnership in just two of their last 11 matches at Adelaide Oval.
- The Heat have had the best powerplay in seven of their nine BBL09 matches.
- The Heat have won all three H2Hs while winning the toss.
Key Players
The energetic Rashid Khan is one of the fiercest T20 competitors you would ever witness. He should relish this chance to play against AB and try to get one over him.
The arrival of AB should relieve Lynn of all the pressure of being the top dog for the Heat. Will he now find his mojo and unleash the aggressor in him on the Strikers?