Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder: The Brisbane Heat will face the Sydney Thunder in the 25th match of the Big Bash League 2024-25 at the Gabba. The Heat, with two wins in six games and one match abandoned, are looking to gain momentum. Meanwhile, the Thunder have been impressive, securing four wins from five games. This match promises to be a crucial contest as both teams aim to solidify their positions in the league standings.
Match Details
- Match: 25th Match (N), Big Bash League 2024-25
- Date: January 6, 2025
- Time: 1:45 PM IST
- Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
Pitch Report
Nature of the Surface:
- The Gabba favors pacers with seam movement and extra bounce, particularly with the new ball.
- Batters can find their rhythm once the ball softens, thanks to the pitch’s consistent bounce.
- Spinners may struggle, relying more on accuracy than turn.
Scoring Expectations:
- Average 1st Innings Score: 163 runs
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 143 runs
- Competitive Total: A score of 170-180 runs is considered challenging for teams batting first.
Boundary Dimensions:
- Straight Boundaries: Average 67 meters
- Square Boundaries: 76 meters and 71 meters
Toss Prediction
Teams winning the toss might choose to field first to exploit the early seam movement and bounce, aiming to restrict the opposition.
Weather Impact
The weather in Brisbane is forecasted to be warm and clear, ideal for an uninterrupted match.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| 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
| Range | Matches |
|---|---|
| Below 150 | 17 |
| 150-169 | 15 |
| 170-189 | 16 |
| Above 190 | 13 |
Head-to-Head Record
| Location | Brisbane Heat Wins | Sydney Thunder Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 13 | 7 |
| At the Gabba | 5 | 2 |
Last 5 Matches
| Date | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 27-Dec-2023 | Heat | Heat won by 15 runs |
| 12-Dec-2023 | Heat | Heat won by 20 runs |
| 27-Jan-2023 | Heat | Heat won by 8 runs (DLS method) |
| 29-Dec-2022 | Thunder | Thunder won by 11 runs |
| 27-Dec-2022 | Thunder | Thunder won by 10 wickets (50 balls remaining) |
Team News
Brisbane Heat: Brisbane Heat have had a mixed season, starting strong with consecutive wins but slipping with three straight losses, including one to Melbourne Stars. Their last match against Sydney Sixers was abandoned due to rain. Nathan McSweeney has been a standout performer, scoring 129 runs in 5 innings. Matt Renshaw and Max Bryant add depth to the batting lineup, with Bryant’s 77* against the Stars being a highlight. Xavier Bartlett leads the bowling attack with consistent performances, supported by Spencer Johnson.
Sydney Thunder: Sydney Thunder are in fine form with four wins and just one loss. They recently edged out Perth Scorchers in a thrilling last-ball chase. Captain David Warner has been prolific with 178 runs in 5 innings. Despite injuries sidelining Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams, Sam Billings is expected to play a crucial role. Chris Green leads the bowling unit with 8 wickets in 5 matches, while Wes Agar and Lockie Ferguson bolster the attack.
Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder Lineup
Brisbane Heat Playing XI:
- Colin Munro (c)
- Tom Alsop (wk)
- Xavier Bartlett
- Max Bryant
- Spencer Johnson
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Nathan McSweeney
- Michael Neser
- Will Prestwidge
- Matthew Renshaw
- Mitch Swepson
- Paul Walter
- Jack Wildermuth
Sydney Thunder Playing XI:
- David Warner (c)
- Blake Nikitaras
- Sam Billings (wk)
- Matthew Gilkes
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Chris Green
- Tom Andrews
- Lockie Ferguson
- Wes Agar
- Hugh Weibgen
- Dan Christian/Liam Hatcher
Key Players to Watch
Batters to Watch (Recent Stats):
- Max Bryant (Brisbane Heat): 9 matches • 232 runs • 33.14 avg • 155.7 SR
- Nathan McSweeney (Brisbane Heat): 8 matches • 209 runs • 29.86 avg • 112.36 SR
- David Warner (Sydney Thunder): 7 matches • 228 runs • 38 avg • 134.91 SR
- Cameron Bancroft (Sydney Thunder): 10 matches • 160 runs • 20 avg • 104.57 SR
Bowlers to Watch (Recent Stats):
- Spencer Johnson (Brisbane Heat): 8 matches • 17 wickets • 6.19 econ • 11.29 SR
- Xavier Bartlett (Brisbane Heat): 10 matches • 16 wickets • 7.64 econ • 13.75 SR
- Chris Green (Sydney Thunder): 10 matches • 10 wickets • 7.88 econ • 21.1 SR
- Wes Agar (Sydney Thunder): 3 matches • 7 wickets • 8.25 econ • 10.28 SR
Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder Fantasy XI
- Batters: David Warner (C), Nathan McSweeney, Max Bryant, Matthew Renshaw
- All-rounders: Beau Webster, Colin Munro, Paul Walter
- Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson (VC), Chris Green, Wes Agar
Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder Prediction
Brisbane Heat will rely on their home advantage and strong bowling attack to secure a win. However, Sydney Thunder’s in-form batting lineup, led by David Warner, could turn the tables. Expect a close contest, with Brisbane Heat holding a slight edge.
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