The Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat have struggled in BBL12 so far, registering just one win apiece. As such, both teams will be raring to go for this must-win encounter at Spotless Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Josh Nevett is back at the crease to provide his full match preview and BBL betting tips below.
BBL12 Thunder vs Heat Betting Tips
Spotless Stadium, Tuesday 27th December, 7:15pm (AEDT)
Sydney Thunder
Predicted XI: Alex Hales, Matthew Gilkes, Rilee Rossouw, Oliver Davies, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Ben Cutting, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green, Gurinder Sandhu, Brendan Doggett
The Thunder just can’t take a trick right now.
After slipping to their third straight defeat, the Thunder were forced to terminate Fazalhaq Farooqi’s contract before Christmas due to unacceptable off-field conduct. It’s a big loss in cricket terms, as Sydney are seriously lacking quality fast bowling.
That was displayed in the match against Adelaide, as the Strikers cruised past Sydney’s total for the loss of just four wickets.
Brought in for his first game of the season, Nathan McAndrew was the most impressive of the Thunder quicks snaring 2-25 – he will undoubtedly play a bigger role in Farooqi’s absence.
Sydney’s slow start isn’t just down to the bowlers – the Thunder don’t have any batsmen at the top of the run scorer rankings.
As such, a full squad effort will be required to turn things around.
Brisbane Heat
Predicted XI: Max Bryant, Colin Munro, Matthew Renshaw, Sam Billings, Jimmy Pierson, Ross Whiteley, James Bazley, Michael Neser, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann
While the Thunder are currently easy pickings, the Heat haven’t fared much better in their early fixtures.
Brisbane lost their opening two matches before beating the Strikers, but fans will be hoping that the return of popular quick Michael Neser propels the Heat to further victories.
Since re-joining the squad, Neser has taken 6 wickets and been incredibly dangerous with the new ball, taking a wicket with the first ball of the innings on two occasions. The Heat are a far better side with Neser in the XI.
Brisbane will also be buoyed by the newfound form of star import Sam Billings, who struck 79 off 48 balls to guide his team home against Adelaide.
A win here, and the season is back on track for the Heat.
Match Prediction
On paper, the Sydney Thunder have enough talent to be winning games. However, their confidence must be in tatters after three consecutive losses.
If Hales and Rossouw can get going, then expect the Thunder to work their way up the ladder. However, with a weakened bowling attack, I can’t see them getting the job done against a balanced Heat side.
Bryant and Billings looked fantastic last time out, and Neser is the kind of spearhead that every BBL bowling attack needs.
They may be the underdogs, but I think Brisbane take the chocolates here.
Brisbane Heat to win
$2.10 (2 units)
Same Game Multi
Since re-joining the Heat from international duties Neser has been sensational, with 9 wickets from his last three matches. Two of those wickets have been off the opening ball of the innings, so Neser has been an easy watch for punters. Furthermore, according to our BBL12 Data Tools he has taken at least one wicket in 72% of his BBL starts.
The Thunder covered the line for the opening partnership for the first time in their BBL12 campaign last match, but there are still plenty of question marks over opener Matt Gilkes. The left-hander has failed to make an impact so far and scored just three in an opening stand of 39 against the Strikers.
English star Sam Billings hit form in his last start with a 79. He has passed the 15-run mark three times in his last four games and will relish coming up against his old team.
Player to Take 1+ Wickets – Michael Neser
Sydney Thunder Fall of Wicket 1 - Under 19.5 Runs
Player to Score 15+ Runs – Sam Billings
