Melbourne Renegades v Brisbane Heat BBL Tips, Predictions and Preview

Gary Emmerson:

Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat will bring the curtains down on the regular season of the Big Bash League 2019-20 when they meet at Marvel Stadium on Monday.

This match could still have a bearing on the final standings. Brisbane Heat (12 points, W6, L7) need a win to qualify in the top-five and eliminate the Sydney Thunder. The Melbourne Renegades have already crashed out and nothing changes with the result of this fixture.

Prediction

Match Preview

The Renegades are confirmed to end with the wooden spoon, but both their wins of the season have come in their last four matches. That is something to hang on to and so is their H2H record against the Heat in BBL. The return of Aaron Finch (300 runs, SR 141.50) is a big boost, as was shown in their recent match against the Sixers. Kane Richardson (10 wickets, ER 6.99) comes back too, but their bowling still looks a little thin.

The Heat stormed back into contention with a 71-run thumping win over the Melbourne Stars. Chris Lynn (373 runs, SR 153.49) will be looking to his superstar AB de Villiers (140 runs, SR 140) to build on from his swashbuckling 37-ball 71 against the Stars. Regardless, there is always an air of inconsistency around the Heat batting line-up.

Bowling still remains the concern area for the Heat, who have only Ben Laughlin (15) and Josh Lalor (11) picking up 10+ wickets. Ben Cutting (nine wickets, 190 runs @ SR 114.45) could be a key man if they are to make the finals.

Match Up

The Renegades have nothing to lose or gain from this fixture, as they are slated to finish last irrespective of the result. The Heat, however, have a lot riding on this match having dropped to sixth spot on the ladder after Sunday’s matches. If they can repeat the performance from the match against the Stars, a win is likely for the Heat. However, the glaring inconsistencies remain a cause of concern.

History & Statistics

  • The Renegades have won 8 of the last 9 H2Hs.
  • The Renegades have won 4 of the 6 H2Hs at this venue, including the last 3.
  • Two of Heat’s three wins over the Renegades have come at this venue.
  • The Heat have had the highest powerplay score in 9 of 13 matches.

Key Players

Finch showed what the Renegades missed out, by smashing a timely 100. Although it couldn’t pick the champions a win, they now look a lot more dangerous with the Australian national ODI captain at the top of the batting order.

There is no better sight in T20 cricket than seeing the ‘360 degrees player’ De Villiers in action. And, he looks determined to take the Heat through to the playoffs.