Big Bash League 2019 Match 44, Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Renegades: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Brisbane Heat will host defending champions Melbourne Renegades for Match 43 of the 2019 BBL at The Gabba. While the Renegades, having won 1 out of their 10 matches, are as good as out of the hunt, the Heat are well in course in the run for a Playoffs spot.

While they have been way below par, the Renegades’ only win has come in their most recent match, against Sydney Thunder, largely thanks to Shaun Marsh (47 in 34 balls) and Sam Harper (52 in 38), and Dan Christian (2-0-14-3).

However, the win has almost certainly come too late in the day for the Renegades. Not only do they need to win all their matches, they also have to hope the matches involving Perth Scorchers, Brisbane Heat, and Sydney Thunder turn out the way they want to. In other words, the chances of qualification are merely academic.

Things do not look that difficult for Brisbane Heat despite their defeat in their last match, against Adelaide Strikers. Matt Renshaw (43 in 31) was the only one to put up some resistance as they were shot out for 100; the Strikers then chased down the target inside 11 overs.

However, their overall performance in this edition has been significantly better than the Renegades. Brisbane Heat will take field as favourites, more so due to their home advantage.

Head to head

Despite their poor run in the ongoing edition, however, the Renegades are backed by history: they hold an 8-3 lead.

Key players

Chris Lynn (Brisbane Heat): Lynn’s 142 sixes in BBL history are almost twice as much as anyone else’s tally. While the Heat do boast of AB de Villiers, the initial burst has to come from their illustrious captain.

Mohammad Nabi (Melbourne Renegades): The late arrival of Nabi, one of the finest all-rounders in the world in the format, has certainly boosted the morale of the Renegades camp. He will play a crucial role here.

Likely XIs

Brisbane Heat: Max Bryant, Chris Lynn (c), AB de Villiers, Matt Renshaw, Joe Burns, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Ben Cutting, Josh Lalor, Mitchell Swepson, Ben Laughlin, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Melbourne Renegades: Shaun Marsh, Marcus Harris, Sam Harper (wk), Beau Webster, Dan Christian (c), Mohammad Nabi, Will Sutherland, Samit Patel, Jack Wildermuth, Cameron Boyce, Andrew Fekete.

Prediction

Brisbane Heat to win.