Big Bash League 2019 Match 9, Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat are two of the three teams to have played two matches each in Big Bash League 2019-20 so far. While the Sixers have had a mixed outing, for the Heat it has been a disaster.

In both matches of Sydney Sixers, their bowlers have been consistent. Their first game against Perth Scorchers saw them easily chasing down a target of 132. In the next one, they had a target of 130 runs but the brilliance of Qais Ahmed from Hobart Hurricanes did not let the Sixers win the fixture. John Philippe ended as the highest score for Sydney Sixers in both matches and a lot will depend on him in this encounter as well. It was the batting unit that failed to deliver in their second game against the Hurricanes. With the home audience on their side, Sydney Sixers are expected to beat already downhearted Brisbane Heat.

Brisbane Heat began their journey by facing the table topper Sydney Thunder. Then they faced Melbourne Stars. In both cases, the Heat failed to perform as a team. The bowlers could not restrict the opponents to a low score and the batsmen could not complete the chase. The Heat who are yet to register their first win of the tournament have a star-studded batting line up that need to perform collectively. Their first game saw the top order failing massively whereas in the second one only Tom Banton and Matt Renshaw showed some resistance. The Sixers would be coming to the fray after facing a recent defeat and the Heat would love to explore the chance.

Sydney Sixers are slightly ahead of Brisbane Heat, thanks to the bowling department.

Key players

John Philippe (Sydney Sixers)– Even when the entire batting order failed, John Philippe ended as the top scorer for Sydney Sixers against Hobart Hurricanes. No wonder the team will depend on him to register their second win of this edition.

Tom Banton (Brisbane Heat) – After a 7-ball 16 against Sydney Thunder Tom Banton scored a smooth 64 against Melbourne Stars. In the batting unit that is yet to prove any credibility Banton’s performance as an opener can be a key.

Likely XIs

Sydney Sixers: Josh Phillippe (wk), Daniel Hughes, James Vince, Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Hayden Kerr, Tom Curran, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Benjamin Manenti, Lloyd Pope.

Brisbane Heat: Tom Banton (wk), Max Bryant, Chris Lynn (c), Matt Renshaw, Sam Heazlett, Ben Cutting, Mark Steketee, Josh Lalor, Mitchell Swepson, Ben Laughlin, Zahir Khan.

Prediction

Sydney Sixers to win.