The Marsh Cup 2019 final, Queensland vs Western Australia at Brisbane: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

After almost two months of cricket, 10-time-champion Queensland and 13-time-champion Western Australia will clash in the final of the 2019 Marsh Cup. There is little to choose between the sides, both of whom have won 5 league matches each, WA finishing ahead in net run rate.

The teams have met earlier in the tournament, at Carrara last month. Queensland had won the match by 26 runs largely due a 51-ball 64 from Max Bryant at the top and a serene 87 from Marnus Labuschagne. WA, in pursuit of 269, were 189/2 in the 39th over before collapsing to 242 against Michael Neser (3/42) and Mark Steketee (2/36).

Western Australia had started the tournament with three wins, including massive ones against Victoria and Tasmania. They did lose twice in three matches after that before coming back with a 6-run win against South Australia. They have put up 386/8, 312, and 348/6 in the tournament, and have the most threatening batting line-up.

Just like WA, Queensland, too, had started with 3 wins. They followed this with 2 defeats, then 2 more wins. Just like WA, they have crossed 300 thrice as well, but unlike them, they have not gone past 325. Expect another runfest at the Allan Border Field.

This is likely to be a close match. Queensland, however, hold home advantage.

Head to head

There is little to choose between the sides here. Queensland hold an edge, but only just: they lead 28-27.

Key players

Mark Steketee (Queensland): Steketee, Queensland’s most economical bowler this season, is also their leading wicket-taker. He has impressed with his accuracy throughout the season.

Nathan Coulter-Nile (Western Australia): The spearhead of Western Australia’s international-class bowling attack, Coulter-Nile has been instrumental in several turnarounds this season.

Likely XIs

Queensland: Max Bryant, Usman Khawaja (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Joe Burns, Bryce Street, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Michael Neser, Ben Cutting, Mark Steketee, Xavier Bartlett, Billy Stanlake.

Western Australia: Josh Philippe (wk), D’Arcy Short, Shaun Marsh, Ashton Turner (c), Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Cameron Green, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye.

Prediction

A tough call, but Queensland may push their home advantage home.