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This will be the fourth game of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25. Melbourne Stars will be against the defending champions Brisbane Heat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The match will start on 18th December 2024 at 1:45 PM IST.
Melbourne Stars lost their first game of the season by 6 wickets against the Scorchers. The absence of players like Ben Duckett and Glenn Maxwell is a big miss for them. The batters, especially, the top 3 need to fire for them to do well. Their bowling looks average and the likes of Tom Curran and Brody Couch must step up with the ball. The Stars will have to perform as a team in this game. They may look to promote Beau Webster at number 3 in this game to strengthen their batting.
Brisbane Heat, meanwhile, will be playing their first game of this season. They have plenty of key players unavailable for this match and it will be a big concern for them. Xavier Bartlett, Paul Walter, Matt Renshaw and Max Bryant will be the key players for the defending champions. Their batting is looking on the lighter side and the batters will have to be on their toes in this game. Their bowling attack is looking good and they’ll need good support from the batters.
BBL: Stars vs Heat Probable Playing XI
Melbourne Stars: Joe Clarke, Thomas Rogers, Beau Webster, Marcus Stoinis (c), Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Sam Harper (wk), Hamish McKenzie, Adam Milne, Joel Paris, Brody Couch
Brisbane Heat: Colin Munro (c), Max Bryant, Tom Alsop, Matt Renshaw, Paul Walter, Jimmy Pierson (wk), Jack Wildermuth, Will Prestwidge, Xavier Bartlett, Matt Kuhnemann, Mitchell Swepson
STA vs HEA BBL Dream11 Pitch Report
The pitch at the MCG is expected to be a good one for batting. There will be movement on offer for the pacers with the new ball. Spinners will look to exploit the big dimensions. Scores in the range of 150-160 are expected in this game. Teams may prefer chasing.
Fantasy Value from Pitch Report
- Pacers and all-rounders will be great C/VC options.
- Spinners from the 2nd innings will be very important alongside batters who are good players of spin.
- Death bowlers from the first innings will be good C/VC options. Openers who like to bat aggressively can be the game-changers.
STA vs HEA BBL Dream11 Prediction: Must Picks
Tom Curran (STA)
- Tom Curran is the best fantasy pick from the Melbourne Stars. He will bowl the key overs and is capable with the bat as well.
- He scored 37 runs and picked up a wicket in the first game.
Paul Walter (HEA)
- Paul Walter’s value with the bat will increase in this game. He’s a must-pick in your fantasy teams.
- Walter picked up 17 wickets in 11 games and scored 99 runs in the last season for Brisbane.
Xavier Bartlett (HEA)
- Xavier Bartlett was the highest wicket-taker of the last edition of the BBL. He’s genuine wicket-taker and can pick up 2-3 wickets in this game.
- Bartlett picked up 20 wickets in 11 games at a strike rate of 11.50. His economy was 7.63.
BBL Dream11 Prediction and Tips
If Melbourne Stars bats first
- Xavier Bartlett and Paul Walter will be the top C/VC options.
- You can take the risk of dropping Joe Clarke.
- Hamish McKenzie will be a top differential pick.
If Brisbane Heat bats first
- Dropping Joe Clarke can prove fruitful.
- Tom Curran and Paul Walter will be the top C/VC picks.
- Matt Renshaw and Matthew Kuhnemann will be excellent differentials.
STA vs HEA BBL Dream11 Prediction: Dream11 Teams
Small League Team
Grand League Team
