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The inconsistent Brisbane Heat will travel to Sydney hoping to catch Sydney Thunder on an off-day at the Sydney Showground Stadium on Monday with both sides eyeing a move up the points ladder.
The Thunder have seven points from six matches (W3, L2, NR1) but come into this match with just one win in their last four fixtures (W1, L2, NR1). The Heat, on the other hand, have been improving after a poor start and have won two of their last three matches and both comprehensively too.
Sydney Thunder
Captain Callum Ferguson has been the bedrock for the Thunder this season (248 runs, SR 141.71, 3×50). He has been receiving ample support from Usman Khawaja (168 runs, SR 133.33), although the indifferent form of Alex Hales (122 runs, SR 143.52) could do with some improvements.
Daniel Sams has been the Thunder’s best bowler (12 wickets, ER 7.59), while Arjun Nair continues to be frugal (six wickets, ER 6.88). Their foreign import Chris Morris has been among the wickets (eight in four matches), but his ER of 8.00 has been on the expensive side.
Brisbane Heat
The Heat had a poor start, but big wins over the Sydney Sixers (48 runs) and Hobart Hurricanes (31 runs) has brought life back to their campaign. Captain Chris Lynn continues to be excellent when he’s aggressive (211 runs, SR 163.56), while Matt Renshaw is surprising people with his all-round performances (156 runs @ SR 136.84, three wickets).
Bowling is a slight concern with no bowler taking more than six wickets – Ben Laughlin at an ER 8.68. However, Zahir Khan (five wickets, ER 6.55) is giving support for Laughlin.
Match Up
The Heat have been impressive on the road this season, with both of their wins coming away from home. When these sides met earlier in the season, it was the season opener and the Thunder found the perfect winning combination. Ferguson’s smashing fifty (73 off 44 balls, 6×4 3×6) and a concentrated bowling effort (four bowlers picking two wickets each) helped them ease over the line. This time around, the Heat start this match in a better frame of mind and form, giving them hope of turning things around.
History & Statistics
- The Thunder have lost all three H2Hs while chasing.
- The Thunder have had the best opening partnership in four of their six BBL matches this season, tying in the other two.
- The Heat have had the best opening partnership only once in their five BBL matches this season.
- The Heat have won seven of nine completed H2Hs, including four of the last five completed matches.
- The Heat have won both the matches played at this venue.
- The Heat have had the best powerplay scores in four of their five BBL matches this season.
Key Players
Ferguson has been a picture of consistency for the Thunder this season. Smart and calculative, he will hope to continue his run with another big innings.
Renshaw has been the silent hero for the Heat. His ability to strike big from the outset has helped them in their last two wins. And of course, his uncanny ability to take wickets.