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This will be the 18th game of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25. Brisbane Heat will be against the Melbourne Stars at the Gabba in Brisbane. The match will be played on 1st January 2025 at 1:45 AM IST.
The Brisbane Heat have lost track in their last two games. They won their first couple of matches but then lost the last two and are in the 5th position with 2 wins and 2 defeats. Their batting, especially the top order has failed badly in almost all the matches. The likes of Colin Munro, Tom Banton and Jimmy Peirson have failed to get going.
They are playing Nathan McSweeney out of position which is further harming their cause. The pacers have done a good job but the spinners have been ineffective for the defending champions. They’ll look to come back strongly in this game.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Stars is the only side that is yet to register their first win of BBL 14. They have played 5 games and lost all of them. The Stars have the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Duckett and Beau Webster in their ranks but they’ve failed to click as a team. They’ve signed Dan Lawrence to replace the injured Tom Curran which will strengthen their top order. Bowling has been a concern for the Stars. They’ll be itching to register their first win of this season in this match.
BBL: HEA vs STA Probable Playing XI
Brisbane Heat: Colin Munro, Tom Banton (wk), Nathan McSweeney, Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Paul Walter, Michael Neser/Jack Wildermuth, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann
Melbourne Stars: Dan Lawrence, Tom Rogers, Sam Harper (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Usama Mir, Mark Steketee, Brody Couch, Joel Paris, Peter Siddle
HEA vs STA BBL Dream11 Pitch Report
The pitch at the Gabba will be a good one for batting with extra bounce and pace for the pacers off the deck. There will be some movement with the new ball, especially in the second innings. Spinners will get little to no help off the deck.
Scores in the range of 160-180 are expected in this match. Teams are expected to chase if they win the toss.
Fantasy Value from Pitch Report
- Middle-order batters will be important.
- New ball bowlers, especially from the 2nd innings will be important.
- Death bowlers from the first innings and all-rounders will be good C/VC options.
HEA vs STA BBL Dream11 Prediction: Must Picks
Ben Duckett (STA)
- Ben Duckett has scored two fifties in the last two games and has been the best batter for the Stars in BBL 14. He has scores of 67 and 68 respectively in the last two games.
- He’ll be in for another good outing if he survives the new ball burst from the Brisbane Heat – a top fantasy pick.
Nathan McSweeney (HEA)
- Nathan McSweeney is expected to move up to number 3 in this match. He may even bowl an over or two of his off-spin if required.
- He has an excellent record at the Gabba and will be a must in your fantasy teams for this game.
Spencer Johnson (HEA)
- Spencer Johnson went wicket-less in the last game but he’s bowling style suits the conditions at the Gabba.
- He picks up wickets in clusters on his day. Try him as C/VC in the big leagues.
BBL Dream11 Prediction and Tips
If Brisbane Heat bats first
- Joel Paris will be a top differential pick. Try Brody Couch in the big leagues.
- Nathan McSweeney and Xavier Bartlett will be the top C/VC picks. Try Michael Neser in the big leagues.
- You can take the risk of dropping Matt Renshaw.
If Melbourne Stars bats first
- Dan Lawrence and Mark Steketee will be the top differential picks.
- Dropping Peter Siddle and Sam Harper can be worth the risk.
- Spencer Johnson and Marcus Stoinis will be the best C/VC picks.
HEA vs STA BBL Dream11 Prediction: Dream11 Teams
Small League Team
Grand League Team
