Big Bash League 2019 Match 52, Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Melbourne Stars will host Brisbane Heat for Match 52 of the 2019-20 BBL, at Melbourne Cricket Grounds. While the Stars are set to top the league table and feature in the Qualifier, the Heat need to win at least once – if not both their matches – to make it to the Playoffs. Brisbane, now placed sixth in the league, are among four teams fighting for two Playoffs spots.

Having won 10 of their first 11 matches, the Stars have lost their last 2 – but that has to do with them resting some of their key players, especially Haris Rauf and Nathan Coulter-Nile. Remember, Dale Steyn is still fresh, raring to go at the slightest opportunity. And if none of the three play, they still have a pair of world-class leg-spinners in Adam Zampa and Sandeep Lamichhane.

Their batting, too, has been among the most explosive in the tournament, what with Glenn Maxwell tearing into one opposition after another, Marcus Stoinis some distance ahead of others at the top of the runs chart, and Peter Handscomb and Nic Maddinson providing perfect foil.

The Heat, on the other hand, feature Chris Lynn and AB de Villiers, and have now been been reinforced with the arrival of Marnus Labuschagne. With James Pattinson and Mujeeb Ur Rahman leading the pack, they do have a strong attack as well.

The teams have met this season, at Carrara Oval. Maxwell’s pyrokinetics (83 in 39 balls) had taken Stars to 167/7 before Tom Banton responded with a 36-ball 64. The Heat were then restricted to 145/8 by Adam Zampa (4-0-30-3), Haris Rauf (4-0-20-2), and Daniel Worrall (4-0-21-2).

Despite resting some key players, however, the Stars will take field as favourites.

Head to head

History is with Brisbane Heat here: they have won 7 matches to Melbourne Stars’ 4, though the Stars have won this time.

Key players

Adam Zampa (Melbourne Stars): Australia’s best leg-spinner in white-ball cricket, Zampa will be expected to play key role on an end-of-season used pitch. Irrespective of the fast bowling attack, Zampa may emerge as the decisive factor.

Marnus Labuschagne (Brisbane Heat): Having aced both Tests and ODIs over the past few months, it is time for Labuschagne to demonstrate his expertise in the shortest format as well. A quality performance here will keep the Heat in the race.

Likely XIs

Melbourne Stars: Nic Maddinson, Marcus Stoinis, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell, Peter Handscomb (c), Seb Gotch (wk), Clint Hinchliffe, Adam Zampa, Daniel Worrall, Lance Morris, Sandeep Lamichhane.

Brisbane Heat: Sam Heazlett, Chris Lynn (c), Matt Renshaw, AB de Villiers, Marnus Labuschagne, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Ben Cutting, James Pattinson, Mitchell Swepson, Ben Laughlin, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Key players

The Stars to win for the second time in the season.