Big Bash League 2019 Match 29, Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes will clash at the Gabba on Thursday, January 9, with both attempting to get out of the lower half of the table and make a fist for the knockout spots.

It’s a sign of how tight things are in the group that both sides, on six points, are essentially just a win away from No.3, even if Hobart are No.7 on the eight-team table on net run-rate.

Hobart and Brisbane have both won three of their six games so far. Brisbane are No.5 on the table, but are level on points with Hobart as well as Perth Scorchers, who are No.7. A victory in this clash will allow the winner to get a buffer over an opposition in an incredible tight table, and with the business end of the tournament slowly approaching, every point is vital.

To that end, it’s hard to know who to back in this clash. Brisbane have overcome a poor start, where they lost their first two matches, and secured victories in three of their four matches since, including consecutive wins leading up this match.

Hobart, meanwhile, have blown hot and cold, winning and losing alternatively, making them an unpredictable force. They beat Perth in their last outing, and the question is whether they can, for the first time this season, make it two wins in a row.

As the tournament progresses, consistency becomes increasingly crucial, and both teams will be aware of that.

Head to head

It’s a rivalry significantly dominated by Hobart. In 15 matches between these sides over the years, Hobart has won 10 of them. Brisbane will hope they can build on their victory over Hobart earlier in this season, and do the double.

Key players

Chris Lynn (Brisbane Heat): When these two sides met last week, Lynn hammered a crushing 88* that helped Heat secure victory. It’s the sort of power-hitting that is imperative for a side with hopes of winning T20 matches. The Hurricanes will be particularly wary of him this time.

D’Arcy Short (Hobart Hurricanes): Hobart have a big-hitter of their own, and on recent evidence, he is in stellar form. Short hammered a 70-ball 103* against Perth Scorchers to help them to victory in their last outing. Heat will be watchful.

Likely XIs

Brisbane Heat: Tom Banton, Chris Lynn (c), Ben Cutting, Max Bryant, Matt Renshaw, Jack Prestwidge, Jimmy Peirson, Mitchwell Swepson, Josh Lalor, Ben Laughlin, Zahir Khan

Hobart Hurricanes: D’Arcy Short, Caleb Jewell, David Miller, Ben McDermott (c/wk), Simon Milenko, George Bailey, Thomas Rogers, Nathan Ellis, Scott Boland, Qais Ahmed, Riley Meredith

Prediction

Heat to make it three wins in three.