The Sydney Sixers are on a roll, with four wins on the trot after a slow start to BBL12. Next up, the lowly Brisbane Heat.
Despite some preseason optimism, the Heat are once again languishing at the bottom of the table, suggesting this could be a one-sided affair.
However, anything can happen in T20 cricket, and Brisbane will be determined to defend their fortress on Sunday.
Josh Nevett provides his full match preview and BBL betting tips below. And if you're looking for a new sportsbook to try out then look no further than betr!
BBL12 Heat vs Sixers Betting Tips
The Gabba, Sunday 1st January, 7:15pm (AEDT)
Brisbane Heat
Predicted XI: Max Bryant, Josh Brown, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Jimmy Pierson, Ross Whiteley, James Bazley, Michael Neser, Mark Steketee, Matt Kuhnemann, Mitch Swepson
Brisbane are really struggling with just one victory, and things don’t get any easier for them on Sunday.
Not even a blistering 98 off 53 from Colin Munro could get the Heat over the line against the Thunder in their last start, as they fell by 11 runs in a high-scoring affair.
Munro’s innings elevated him to third on the run-scorer rankings, but consistency is what the Heat crave right now and none of the batsmen are providing that.
On the bowling front, James Bazley has made contributions and Michael Neser has been good since returning to action, but the likes of Mitch Swepson and Mark Steketee also need to lift.
This match against the Sixers is an early make-or-break game, so the Heat will have to find a way to pull together a huge team performance.
Sydney Sixers
Predicted XI: Kurtis Patterson, Josh Phillipe, James Vince, Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk, Dan Christian, Hayden Kerr, Sean Abbott, Chris Jordan, Ben Dwarshuis, Izharulhaq Naveed
A rampant Sixers outfit made it four on the trot against the Renegades on Friday, chasing down 124 with ease.
The men in magenta are an example of what it means to be a team – everyone is playing their role and there has been no need for individual brilliance to bank wins.
While Ben Dwarshuis was the standout on Wednesday, it was English import Chris Jordan who hit the ground running in his first game on Friday with 2-25 and Player of the Match honours.
James Vince (39 off 31) and Kurtis Patterson (38 off 35) helped to guide the Sixers home with the bat – exactly what the doctor ordered given their previous contributions.
All in all, the Sixers are in a great spot to make a run for another title. There are more dynamic teams in the running, but Sydney have experience and consistency on their side.
Match Prediction
I wrongly underestimated the Sixers on Friday; will I make the same mistake again?
There aren’t many reasons to suggest that the Heat can cause an upset here, except for the fact that this is a true home game at The Gabba.
Brisbane’s batting line-up has some power with Munro and Billings capable of winning a game off their own bat, and Neser is dangerous in seam-friendly conditions.
However, there are too many passengers in the team at the moment, which cannot be said for the Sixers.
As such, I’ll back the Sixers to extend their winning streak on New Year’s Day.
Sydney Sixers to win
$1.64 (2 units)
Same Game Multi
Michael Neser has been great since returning to the Brisbane squad, and he loves playing at The Gabba in all formats. On Sunday he comes up against a Sixers batting group that has struggled at times during this campaign, so he should be able to claim a scalp.
Caught is easily the most common method of dismissal in the BBL. For example, all 11 dismissals in Friday’s game between the Renegades and Sixers were caught. As such, this leg is a great multi booster.
With Matt Renshaw out of tomorrow’s line-up, there is a fair chance that Josh Brown is recalled. While he and Max Bryant have talent, both are far from proven at this level and I fancy the combination of Patterson and Phillipe to outscore them.
Player to Take 1+ Wickets – Michael Neser
Method of First Dismissal 1st Innings – Caught
Highest Opening Partnership – Sydney Sixers
