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With the action for top-five spots heating up, the clash between Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday promises to be a thriller.
The Scorchers start this match with six points from seven matches (W3, L4) and have two wins in their last three. The Heat have eight points in their seven matches (W4, L3), and have won four of their last five including the last three in a row.
However, when the sides met at Carrara Oval earlier in the season, it was the Scorchers who came out winners by 40 runs.
Perth Scorchers
There are signs over the last couple of matches that the Scorchers’ batting is coming along. While captain Mitchell Marsh (214 runs, SR 138.06) remains their leader with the bat, the improved performances from Josh Inglis and Liam Livingstone has been heartening.
Fawad Ahmed remains a key part of the Scorchers’ attack, leading with eight wickets @ ER 7.14. Jhye Richardson seems to have found his mojo back (seven wickets, ER 8.11), while Chris Jordan always remains a good asset in the field.
Brisbane Heat
The Heat are the form team of the tournament and are flying high with their performances. With AB De Villiers and Mujeeb Ur Rahman set to come into the side soon, the Heat are looking likely playoff candidates. Chris Lynn remains the hero with the bat (251 runs, SR 161.93), although the recent form of Tom Banton (168 runs, SR 178.72) is encouraging.
Bowling has been an interesting mix for the Heat, who do not have a bowler with ten wickets or more. However, their two main spinners have an ER of under eight and that is a massive help going into the business end of things.
Match Up
The Scorchers were lucky to win in the last fixtures against the bottom-placed Renegades. It is now time to set their season on track, especially since they play at home. However, up against them is a Heat side that is peaking up at the right time. Another win will be massive for the visitors – especially since the likes of AB and Mujeeb will strengthen their side further from their next match onwards.
History & Statistics
The Heat had the highest powerplay score in six of their seven matches this season.
The only time they didn’t was against the Scorchers in the reverse fixture.
The Scorchers average 6.57 sixes per game, while the Heat average 5.0 per game.
The Heat have won three of the last four fixtures against the Scorchers and the lone H2H played at this venue.
Key Players
Inglis has started coming to form and make the most of his chance at the top. With a SR of 148.71, he’s certainly leading the show for the Perth Scorchers.
The Heat will hope that Tom Banton will end his season in a flash. With 17×6 to his name, he is on the right path.