BBL 7, Match 2: Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars – Result Predictions

The second match of the seventh season of the Big Bash League (BBL) is between the two semifinalists of the last season. Both Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars would be hoping to go at least one step further if not two. Heat lost their semis to Sydney Sixers last season.

This time around Heat are led by former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum. On the other hand, Melbourne Stars lost to the eventual champions Perth Scorchers. Australian all-rounder John Hastings will lead them in the coming season.

Here’s what CricTracker predicts for the game

Scenario 1: Brisbane Heat wins the toss

Toss Prediction: Brisbane will choose to bat first

First Innings Prediction: 170+

Result Prediction: Brisbane Heat win by 10-20 runs

Scenario 2: Melbourne Stars win the toss

Toss Prediction: Melbourne Stars choose to bat first

First Innings Prediction: 160-170

Result Prediction: Brisbane Heat win by 4 wickets

Head to Head record

Total matches played – 6, Brisbane Heat won– 4, Melbourne Stars won – 2, No Result/ Tied – 0.

Both the teams will be coming into the season with huge expectations hoping to do better than they did last time. Therefore a good start and early points on the board will be a top priority. Heat stand in an advantageous position since they are playing on the home ground and expect them to make full use of it.

Brisbane Heat

Brisbane have a power-packed batting line-up as opening pair of Brendon McCullum and Jimmy Peirson can make the best use of the powerplay overs. They have a star-studded middle order as the likes of Chris Lynn and Joe Burns can keep the run rate high in the middle overs. Ben Cutting is more than capable of coming up with big hits in the death overs.

They will miss the services of Samuel Badree who was a key cog for them last season. Brisbane have roped in Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan who knows he has a tough job of filling the Badree’s boots but given the talent he possesses expect him to return with great success. Variations of Ben Cutting at the end of innings can prove to be a trump card as well.

Brisbane Heat Squad: Max Bryant, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Brendan Doggett, Jason Floros, Cameron Gannon, Sam Heazlett, Shadab Khan (International), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum (international, captain), Jimmy Peirson, Matt Renshaw, Alex Ross, Mitchell Swepson, Mark Steketee, Cameron Valente, Yasir Shah (international replacement).

Melbourne Stars

Stars look a balanced team on paper and seem to have all the bases covered. The opening pair of Rob Quiney and Luke Wright has proved to be very consistent for the Stars. The middle-order has some big names like Kevin Pietersen, Glenn Maxwell, and Peter Handscomb. James Faulkner and John Hastings can come up with some big hits down the order.

Their bowling line up has a good balance of pace and spin. Ben Hilfenhaus is capable of getting early wickets in the powerplay over. The likes of Michael Beer and Adam Zampa can keep the run scoring down in the middle overs and can chip in with few wickets too.

Melbourne Stars Squad: Kevin Pietersen, Ben Hilfenhaus, Luke Wright, John Hastings (c), Rob Quiney, Jackson Coleman, Glenn Maxwell, Michael Beer, James Faulkner, Ben Dunk (wk), Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb (wk), Scott Boland, Adam Zampa, Daniel Worrall, Marcus Stoinis, Seb Gotch, Sam Harper (wk)

The prediction is for Brisbane Heat to kickoff the tournament on a winning note.

Do let us know of your predictions in the comments section below.