The Big Bash moves away from Tasmania for match 13 of the BBL10 season as the Brisbane Heat take on the Adelaide Strikers at The Gabba.
Unfortunately for Heat players and fans alike, their early-season form has left a lot to be desired as they sit at the bottom of the ladder. The poor performances have just continued on from their horror season last year so you can be sure they will be as keen as ever to get their tournament back on track here tonight.
The Strikers have had an up and down season so far in BBL10. They currently sit 4th with one win and two losses across their first three matches of the tournament. They will be hoping to find some consistency in their performances and rediscover some of the form which they showed back against the Hurricanes in their second match of the season.
A lot will hinge on a few key performances across the park tonight with Brisbane Heat captain Chris Lynn being a major factor in the match. Lynn has had a solid start to BBL10, scoring 89 runs in two matches including 69 off 44 against the Thunder. The Strikers have struggled with the bat this year so all eyes will be on Jake Weatherald and Alex Carey to lead the way in that department tonight.
BBL10 Heat vs Strikers Betting Tips
The Gabba, Brisbane 7:15pm AEDT
Heat Squad: Xavier Bartlett, James Bazley, Max Bryant, Tom Cooper, Sam Heazlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Dan Lawrence (Eng), Ben Laughlin, Chris Lynn (c), Jimmy Peirson, Simon Milenko, Connor Sully, Jack Wood
Strikers Squad: Travis Head (c), Michael Neser, Harry Nielsen, Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Peter Siddle, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald , Jonathan Wells, Daniel Worrall, Rashid Khan, Alex Carey
Match Prediction
While the form from both teams has been poor to start the season, neither side will want to continue their losing streak and you can expect a hard fought match between two desperate teams. The Heat only narrowly went down to the Thunder last week and the signs were good with most players performing well. On the other hand, the Strikers' struggles with the bat continued the other night where they collapsed to lose to the Sixers by 36 runs.
The Heat arguably have the stronger batting line-up in this match up, while the Strikers bowlers have been a shining light for most of the tournament so far. I think the result will come down to how the weaker part of either team performs. So in saying that, I believe the Heat bowlers will step up tonight and play their supporting role to the always-strong batting line-up.
Being back at the Gabba will also be a massive advantage for Brisbane where they seem to play their best cricket. Chris Lynn as always, is a massive key to the chances of the Heat coming out on top and he looks to have found some form last week. The Strikers’ bowlers will still be licking their wounds from the other night where Dan Christian took them to all parts, scoring the 2nd fastest half century in Big Bash history!
All signs point to a close match but I think the Heat have too much to play for being back in front of their home crowd against a struggling Strikers side. The fact we are getting $2+ for Brisbane is another factor I am keen to play here.
Brisbane Heat Prop Bet
No prizes for guessing who we’re targeting in the Brisbane team tonight. When Chris Lynn gets his eye in at the crease he is one of the most destructive batsmen in T20 cricket and looks ready to build on his half century last week.
There haven't been many clear standouts in the Heat batting line-up so far this season so Lynn looks a pretty safe option here. He loves playing at the Gabba and will enjoy being back in front of the home crowd. There will be no player who wants to drag the Heat off the bottom of the ladder more than their skipper and will be leading from the front with a monster innings.
Lynn Top BRI Runscorer
$3.60
Adelaide Strikers Prop Bet
We haven’t focused a great deal on the Strikers in this preview but you can’t underestimate the fire power they have across both batting and bowling line-ups. I’m looking towards world class T20 spinner Rashid Khan to make his mark on the tournament here tonight. He’s been relatively quiet by his standards so far in BBL10 and looks ready to make a big impact for his side.
He has figures of 3/19 at the Gabba a couple of seasons ago and has taken a wicket in every match he has played against the Heat. At the price on offer I think Khan looks a solid play to lead the bowlers against the big-hitting Heat batsmen.
Khan Top ADL Runscorer
$3.50
