Big Bash League 2019 Match 32, Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Perth Scorchers will host Brisbane Heat for Match 32 of the 2019-20 BBL, at the Perth Stadium. The teams have met earlier in this tournament, at Carrara, a match the Scorchers had won by 40 runs. After Cameron Bancroft took them to 149/6 with a 42-ball 50, Fawad Ahmed (4-0-16-3) and Ashton Agar (4-0-21-2) bowled out the Heat for 109.

However, with 8 points from 7 matches, the Heat are placed better than the Scorchers at this point. The Scorchers are 2 points behind, but they have a match in hand, so the teams are more or less evenly matched, though the Heat hold the advantage of a superior net run rate (and have won one match more).

The Brisbane batting has depended largely on their top three – Tom Banton (strike rate 179), Max Bryant (152), and Chris Lynn (162). The bowling, on the other hand, has not been as potent, with Zahir Khan and Mitchell Swepson being the only ones to go for under 8 an over. They can do with an improved show.

For the Scorchers, Josh Inglis has been consistent, but Liam Livingstone’s revent endeavours, but there has not been much support from others. Barring Fawad Ahmed and to some extent Jhye Richardson, no bowler has been impressive, either.

Having said that, both teams are more or less evenly matched, though Perth holds home advantage.

Head to head

There is little to choose between the teams: both sides have won 6 matches apiece.

Key players

Mitchell Marsh (Perth Scorchers): With his big hits, wicket-taking ability, superb fielding, and canny leadership, Marsh has been the Scorchers’ MVP throughout the tournament.

Ben Cutting (Brisbane Heat): Cutting arrived at the crease with his team on 71/5 in pursuit of 127. He did have to sweat during his 29-ball 43 not out, helping the Scorchers to win away from home. Earlier in the day he got Matthew Wade, caught on the fence.

Likely XIs

Perth Scorchers: Josh Inglis (wk), Liam Livingstone, Mitchell Marsh (c), Cameron Bancroft, Tim David, Ashton Agar, Chris Green, Chris Jordan, Jhye Richardson, Matthew Kelly, Fawad Ahmed.

Brisbane Heat: Tom Banton, Max Bryant, Chris Lynn (c), Matt Renshaw, Joe Burns, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Ben Cutting, Mitchell Swepson, Josh Lalor, Ben Laughlin, Zahir Khan.

Prediction

The teams are evenly matched; the Scorchers may convert their home advantage to a win.