Big Bash League 2019 Match 49, Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

An interesting match this, especially with the knockout phase nearly upon us and the teams vying for the qualification positions. Brisbane Heat seemed, at one point, primed for one of those spots. Now, it’s not so certain. The fact that they come up against Sydney Sixers next, a side sitting at No.2 on the table, only makes things that much more uncertain for them.

Brisbane were, given early form, nailed on to make the qualification positions. However, a sudden downturn in form – including a BBL record collapse of 10 for 36 – has left them reeling outside the qualification proceedings. They have won only one of their last four matches, and how they react to their collapse against Melbourne Renegades will dictate how their campaign.

However, there is a positive. Australia’s brief tour of India is over, and Marnus Labuschagne is available for selection again, which means Heat will pin their hopes on the young talisman.

Meanwhile, the Sixers are more or less assured of qualification. However, they will be hoping for one of the top two positions, given Melbourne Stars, the leaders, lost their first game in a while recently, and there is still a mathematical chance they won’t qualify top.

It should be an interesting match for all concerned.

Head to head

This is a rivalry heavily dominated by the Sixers. In 11 matches, they have won nine. However, their forms this season suggest Heat could better the record.

Key players

Chris Lynn (Brisbane Heat): Lynn is one of the standout T20 batsmen in the league, and he has scored some big runs to help the Heat’s cause this season. He is their top-scorer with 332 runs in 11 matches, and he will need to significantly add to that to get them out of this slump.

Tom Curran (Sydney Sixers): Tom Curran will be licking his lips at the prospect of taking on the Heat. Their historic collapse would have been taken as a sign of weakness, and with Curran already having 17 wickets to his name this season, he’ll see this match as a big opportunity to add more to his tally.

Likely XIs

Brisbane Heat: Sam Heazlett, Chris Lynn (c), AB de Villiers, Marnus Labuschagne, Joe Burns, Jimmy Peirson, Ben Cutting, James Pattinson, Josh Lalor, Ben Laughlin, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Sydney Sixers: Joshua Phillippe (wk), Daniel Hughes, James Vince, Moises Henriques (c), Tom Curran, Justin Avendano, Jordan Silk, Ben Dwarshuis, Jackson Bird, Nathan Lyon, Steve O’Keefe

Prediction

Sydney Sixers to put more misery on Heat.