After a cracking start to the Big Bash season last night, we don’t have to wait long for our cricketing fix with a blockbuster matchup between two of the tournament’s heavyweights.
Both the Stars and Heat have two of the strongest squads in the competition and there will be no shortage of world-class talent on display at Manuka Oval in Canberra tonight. With the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa and Chris Lynn all looking likely to take their place in the respective final XI’s, this looks set up to be a quality game of cricket.
The Melbourne Stars came so close to winning BBL09 and the scars will still be fresh after going down by only 19 runs in last year's final. To add to that, they also were runners up in BBL08 by only 13 runs so you can guarantee they will be eager to get their season off to a flyer as they aim to go one better this season in BBL10.
In comparison, Brisbane were one of the more disappointing teams in the competition last year as they struggled to consistently put together good performances. They are blessed with an extremely strong all-round squad and are lead by the BBL’s all-time leading run scorer in Chris Lynn. Lynn hasn’t been shy in saying they need to be a lot more competitive this season and I am expecting the Heat to bounce back and compete for the finals in BBL10.
BBL10 Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat Betting Tips
Manuka Oval, Friday December 11th, 7.10pm
Melbourne Stars Squad: Glenn Maxwell (c), Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ben Dunk, Andre Fletcher (WI), Seb Gotch, Liam Hatcher, Clint Hinchliffe, Dilbar Hussain (PAK), Nick Larkin, Tom O’Connell, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Brisbane 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
Match Prediction
When a team has the name’s Stoinis, Maxwell and Zampa on the roster it is very hard to tip against them. These three are genuine superstars of the short format and are coming off strong performances against India in the International T20 series. Aside from the quality we know these guys have, they are complimented by an extremely strong team which includes the likes of Billy Stanlake, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Nic Maddinson.
This Melbourne side will also be hungry to put last year’s heartbreak behind them. You can be sure that last year’s loss in the final will be used as motivation throughout the whole of this season and I just can’t see them not starting off with a win here. The Stars have added some strong talent to their side this year and look to be the early favourites to take out the title.
Melbourne have been one of the most consistent teams throughout Big Bash history and this squad looks one of the strongest they have had. The Brisbane batting line-up looks relatively weak in comparison and as we see more often than not, this is where the game is won or lost. If Maxwell, Stoinis and co. can pick up where they left off from last season, the Heat batsmen will struggle to match motors.
The slight query is that historically, the Stars have a losing record against the Heat and have struggled against them in previous seasons which is why we are getting a fair enough price for them to win here. With that being said, this team looks primed to send a warning to the rest of the competition and stamp their authority with a victory tonight.
Melbourne Stars Prop Bet
Stoinis was arguably the best player throughout BBL09. He amassed a monster 705 runs in the tournament while opening up the batting for the Stars. It was one of the best seasons we have seen in the BBL and he was completely dominant against all types of bowling.
He really thrived at the top of the order and was instrumental in getting the Stars on the front foot from the start of the innings. To go with last season’s form, he also loves playing against the Heat. Stoinis has top scored for Melbourne in three of their last six games against the team he faces tonight and looks a great bet here.
Obviously there are many other dangers within this batting line-up but I just think if Stoinis can see out the first couple of overs and get his eye in, he will pile on a big score to start the tournament.
Stoinis Top MEL Runscorer
$3.10
Brisbane Heat Prop Bet
I honestly can’t believe Lynn is this price to top score for his team in their season opener. He is the all-time BBL leading run scorer and has solely made the switch to focus his career around playing T20 cricket. In a batting line-up which doesn’t have too many standouts, Lynn will be required to play a big role if his team have any hope of winning the match.
If you’ve heard any of Chris Lynn’s interviews in the lead up to BBL10, you’ll know this is a man on a mission to make up for his team’s struggles last year. He holds himself accountable and knows that he is a huge part in the success of the Brisbane Heat.
He loves playing against the Stars and I honestly believe he is closer to a $2.5 chance to top score for his team tonight.
Lynn Top BRI Runscorer
$3.75
