Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars: The Brisbane Heat take on the Melbourne Stars in the 19th match of the Big Bash League 2024-25 at The Gabba on January 1, 2025. The Stars are yet to register a win this season, having lost all five matches, while the Heat have had a mixed start with two wins and two losses. This clash promises excitement as both teams look to gain crucial points in the tournament.
Match Details
- Match: 19th Match (N), Big Bash League 2024-25
- Date: January 1, 2025
- Time: 1:45 PM IST
- Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
Pitch Report
Nature of the Surface:
- The Gabba offers assistance to pacers with seam movement and extra bounce, especially with the new ball.
- Batters can play their shots once the ball loses its shine, as the bounce remains trustworthy.
- Spinners may struggle to make an impact, relying heavily on precision.
Scoring Expectations:
- Average 1st Innings Score: 163 runs
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 143 runs
- Competitive Total: Teams batting first should aim for 170-180 runs.
Boundary Dimensions:
- Straight Boundaries: 67 meters on average
- Square Boundaries: 76 meters and 71 meters
Toss Prediction:
- Toss-winners might prefer to field first, leveraging early seam movement and extra bounce to restrict the opposition.
Weather Impact
The weather in Brisbane is expected to be warm and clear, ensuring ideal conditions for a full game.
Match Statistics
- Total Matches Played: 61
- Batting First Wins: 31
- Batting Second Wins: 29
- Tie: 1
- Highest Score: Brisbane Heat 224/5
- Lowest Score: Brisbane Heat 90/10
Scoring Pattern:
- Below 150: 17 matches
- 150-169: 15 matches
- 170-189: 16 matches
- Above 190: 13 matches
Head-to-Head Record
| Location | Brisbane Heat Wins | Melbourne Stars Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 13 | 7 |
| At The Gabba | 6 | 3 |
Last 5 Matches
- 18-Dec-2024: Heat won by 8 wickets (11 balls remaining)
- 07-Dec-2023: Heat won by 103 runs
- 22-Jan-2023: Heat won by 4 runs
- 16-Jan-2023: Heat won by 3 wickets (0 balls remaining)
- 16-Jan-2022: Stars won by 8 wickets (37 balls remaining)
Team News
Brisbane Heat:
After an eight-wicket loss to the Sydney Sixers, the Brisbane Heat return home, seeking redemption. Captain Colin Munro needs to find form, while Nathan McSweeney has impressed with the bat. The formidable new-ball duo of Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson will look to trouble the opposition’s top order.
Melbourne Stars:
The Melbourne Stars are struggling with five consecutive losses, and a turnaround is urgently needed. Ben Duckett has been consistent with back-to-back 60+ scores, but the team’s hopes lie on key players like Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, and Duckett. Peter Siddle and Beau Webster must step up with the ball.
Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Lineup
Brisbane Heat Playing XI:
- Tom Banton
- Jimmy Peirson (wk)
- Colin Munro (c)
- Nathan McSweeney
- Matt Renshaw
- Max Bryant
- Paul Walter
- Xavier Bartlett
- Mitchell Swepson
- Spencer Johnson
- Matthew Kuhnemann
Melbourne Stars Playing XI:
- Sam Harper (wk)
- Ben Duckett
- Marcus Stoinis (c)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Hilton Cartwright
- Beau Webster
- Jonathan Merlo
- Usama Mir
- Joel Paris
- Brody Couch
- Peter Siddle
Key Players to Watch
Batters to Watch (Recent Stats):
- Nathan McSweeney (Brisbane Heat): 8 matches • 209 runs • 29.86 avg • 116.11 SR
- Matt Renshaw (Brisbane Heat): 10 matches • 195 runs • 19.5 avg • 145.52 SR
- Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars): 10 matches • 271 runs • 38.71 avg • 141.88 SR
- Beau Webster (Melbourne Stars): 9 matches • 234 runs • 39 avg • 117 SR
Bowlers to Watch (Recent Stats):
- Spencer Johnson (Brisbane Heat): 8 matches • 18 wickets • 6.16 econ • 10.33 SR
- Xavier Bartlett (Brisbane Heat): 10 matches • 15 wickets • 8.18 econ • 14.66 SR
- Peter Siddle (Melbourne Stars): 5 matches • 6 wickets • 7.34 econ • 17.16 SR
- Beau Webster (Melbourne Stars): 5 matches • 5 wickets • 7.73 econ • 13.2 SR
Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Fantasy XI
Batters: Marcus Stoinis (C), Nathan McSweeney, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw
All-rounders: Beau Webster, Colin Munro, Paul Walter
Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson (VC), Usama Mir, Peter Siddle
Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Prediction
Brisbane Heat holds the edge in this encounter with their strong bowling attack and home advantage. However, if Melbourne Stars’ star players, especially Duckett and Maxwell, fire, they could pose a serious challenge. Expect a tightly contested game, with Brisbane Heat slightly favored to come out on top.
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