Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Renegades BBL Tips, Predictions and Preview

Gary Emmerson:

With the race for the playoffs in the Big Bash League heating up, the Brisbane Heat can’t afford to lose any more and that makes their match against the Melbourne Renegades at the Gabba on Sunday crucial.

The Heat have 10 points from 10 matches and have won four of their last six matches of the campaign. However, both of those defeats have come in their last three games. The Renegades, meanwhile, are bottom of the table with just 2 points from 10 matches. Their lone win came in their most recent fixture.

Brisbane Heat

The arrival of AB de Villiers has energised the Heat, but inconsistencies still plague the side. Only Chris Lynn (291 runs, SR 153.96) and Matt Renshaw (261 runs, SR 130.50) have been able to put some value on their wickets and runs on the board.

The lack of bowling leaders is a massive negative for the Heat. The arrival of Mujeeb Ur Rahman hasn’t really infused life yet, but he could still be crucial in the run to the finals.



 

Melbourne Renegades

The Renegades have struggled all through the season and finally picked up their first win only in their most recent match. Shaun Marsh (366 runs, SR 119.21) and Beau Webster (318 runs, SR 142.60) have been their batsmen of the series.

Bowling-wise, the Renegades have been struggling to find an effective leader since Kane Richardson’s departure for national duty. Cameron Boyce (seven wickets, ER 7.59) has seen his form dip, while none of the others showed any semblance of form during the season.

Match Up

The Heat were thrashed by the Strikers in their most recent match by 10 wickets. That loss typifies their journey this season – inconsistency and inability to close out matches. However, they still have a great chance to make it to the top-five and that should spur them to life against the Renegades. Moreover, the Renegades are in very bad form regardless of their most recent win. This could be a tough encounter to call, but the hosts hold a distinct advantage.

History & Statistics

  • Each of Heat’s three H2H wins have come while batting first.
  • The Heat have hit the most 6s in four of their last five matches at this venue.
  • The Heat have won the powerplay in each of their last four matches at this venue.
  • The Renegades have won all four H2Hs at the Gabba.

Key Players

Renshaw was the top-scorer for the Heat in their demolition against the Strikers. Can he build on that and add a bit of consistency to his game and improve the Heat’s chances?

Marsh has been one of the few success stories for the Renegades this season, scoring the most runs so far. The left-hander remains their consistent performer, but is that enough to double their count of season wins?

Tips