Brisbane Heat v Sydney Sixers BBL Tips, Predictions and Preview

Gary Emmerson:

The biggest names of the competition will be on view as Brisbane Heat look to get things back on track when they host Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League at the Gabba on Thursday.

This match will have ramifications on Heat’s playoff chances. The Heat have 10 points from 11 matches (W5, L6), and have lost three of their last four league games. That includes the 44-run loss to Melbourne Renegades, brought about by a monumental collapse.

The Sixers have 15 points from 12 matches (W7, L4, NR1) and have more or less booked their top-five place, although a win would absolutely guarantee their progression.

Brisbane Heat

The Heat would be absolutely thrilled with Marnus Labuschagne joining the squad. This comes on the back to two major collapses, putting the focus on their middle-order. Apart from Labuschagne, Chris Lynn (332 runs, SR 162.74) would hope that AB de Villiers also gets firing (44 runs, Avg. 14.66, SR 118.91).

Major worries remain in the bowling front, but with James Pattinson (six wickets in three matches) in the line-up, there is a distinct cohesion in the attack. However, the Heat would like more from Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is yet to pick up a wicket after three matches.

Sydney Sixers

The Sixers would welcome Steve Smith back to the line-up that hasn’t got many batting heroes. Only three individual 50s have been scored by the Sixers so far, with two coming from Josh Philippe (288 runs, SR 123.60) and one from Moises Henriques (238 runs, SR 158.66).

There are no such worries with the bowling unit, as Tom Curran (17 wickets, ER 9.57) will look to sign off on a high, before leaving for international assignments. There will be focus around Ben Dwarshuis (12 wickets, ER 7.96), who has slipped down the economy radar.

Match Up

This is going to be a massive advertisement of big-ticket names in Big Bash. AB, Smith and Labuschagne will make this a great game to look forward to. The Heat are under the pump to improve, and can’t let their inconsistencies mar this fixture. That said, it won’t be a straight-forward game for them. The Sixers have a well-balanced bowling unit that gets better with the addition of Lyon. All in all, a great game in the making, with a lot of pressure on Heat to improve.

History & Statistics

  • The Heat have lost all five H2Hs at The Gabba.
  • The Heat have scored the highest powerplay score in their last five matches at this venue, including four in BBL09.
  • The Sixers have won all the five H2Hs where they have won the toss.
  • The Sixers have scored the most 6s in seven of their 12 BBL09 matches.
  • The Sixers have won seven of nine H2Hs where they were chasing.

Key Players

Sam Heazlett had scored a blistering fifty to nearly lead the Heat against the Renegades. Although he didn’t lead his side over the line there, Heazlett brings good form out of that match.

Steve Smith just loves scoring runs, whatever is the format and whichever is the opposition. The Heat should be wary of Smith running the show and pushing them out of the equation.

Tips