Saturday afternoon Big Bash action at the Gabba sees the Brisbane Heat host the Sydney Thunder in a matchup between two sides searching for stability as the season slips toward its pointy end. Brisbane are trying to halt a worrying slide, while the Thunder are playing more for pride after a campaign that has fallen well short of expectations.
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Big Bash League (BBL15) Heat vs Thunder Betting Tips
Gabba, Saturday 10th January, 4:00pm AEDT
Brisbane Heat
The Heat have lost two of their last three matches to slide down to seventh on the BBL15 ladder, and confidence took another hit in their most recent outing against the Sixers. Batting first, Brisbane never got going and limped to just 9 for 114 from their 20 overs, with Jack Wildermuth the only batter able to push past 30 in a flat display.
With the ball, there was at least some resistance. Matthew Kuhnemann battled hard, finishing with excellent figures of 2 for 14 from four overs, but the total was always going to be tough to defend and the Sixers chased it down with eight balls to spare. Selection is complicated by the tight turnaround after the Ashes, with Usman Khawaja and Michael Neser unlikely to feature, while Marnus Labuschagne remains a watch. The arrival of Zaman Khan adds some pace, and Colin Munro could return to the top as Brisbane look to spark their batting back to life.
Sydney Thunder
After last season’s run to the final, the Thunder have been the major disappointment of BBL15, sitting last on the table with a 1 and 6 record. Their most recent loss to the Strikers summed up their year. Despite a strong individual effort from David Warner, who smashed 67 off 51 balls, they fell six runs short in another frustrating defeat.
There were some positives, with Wes Agar producing an excellent spell of 3 for 16, but once again the Thunder failed to align strong batting and bowling performances in the same game. With finals hopes all but gone, selection changes are likely. Cam Bancroft could be recalled to steady the order, and there may be a temptation to reshuffle the batting or give opportunities to fringe players as the Thunder search for combinations that might at least restore competitiveness.
Match Prediction
Neither side arrives in good form, but Brisbane look better placed to respond at home. The Gabba should suit their bowling attack, and with personnel changes likely at the top of the order, there is upside if Munro or Labuschagne are available to complement Renshaw and Bryant.
The Thunder continue to rely heavily on Warner for runs, and while they have shown flashes, their inability to sustain pressure across a full 40 overs remains a major concern. At home, with more to play for on the ladder, the lean is Brisbane Heat to get the job done, taking advantage of a Thunder side still searching for answers.
Heat to win
$1.75 (2 Units)
BBL Heat vs Thunder Prop Bet
Jack Wildermuth to score 25+ shapes as a solid play in this spot. After a brief dry spell following his incredible century earlier in the season, he has worked his way back into form across his last two outings, averaging 23.0 and looking far more composed at the crease. Batting in a role that allows him to build before accelerating, and against a Thunder attack that has struggled for consistency, this feels like a good opportunity for Wildermuth to convert another start and clear a modest runs line.
Wildermuth 25+ Runs
$2.30
