BBL 7, Match 32, Preview: Rejuvenated Sixers look to extend their momentum against Heat

The way the Sixers played in the first 6 games of their campaign in Big Bash League (BBL) 7, nobody would have backed them to pull off the kind of results they have managed in the last two games. They have not only beaten their opponents but have absolutely stream rolled over them. They are now up against the Brisbane Heat who are without the services of one of their main players Chris Lynn.

Two games ago, the Heat and the Sixers were separated by quite a bit in the points table, but now with the recent results, the gap seems to be shrinking all of a sudden and it will shrink even more if the result of this game goes in the favour of the Sixers. That’s the nature of the tournaments like BBL, once you get on a bit of a run with either wins or losses, the momentum develops.

While the Sixers are peaking at the right time, the Heat have had a couple of poor results on the trot at a wrong time. They will have to be careful not to loosen the grip. They have 8 points in their tally and they are still one of the strongest contenders for the semi-finals, but with a couple of more bad games, things can go pears shaped.

The problem for the Heat in the last two games was their bowling. While the spinners have been alright, it’s the pace bowlers who have not given the captain any kind of control. Both Mark Steketee and Brendan Doggett have gone for runs and so has Ben Cutting whenever he has been brought on to bowl.

Talking about Sixers, they have been up to the mark with both bat and ball in the last two games. While the bowlers have been able to restrict the opponents to a below par total, the batsmen have chased it down with utmost ease.

Nic Maddinson’s form is the biggest positive for the Sixers as the left-hander is such a crucial player for them batting at no. 3. He has different gears in his batting and he is the one they rely upon to control the whole innings. Daniel Hughes has been going well with the bat too and the Sixers will hope that these two keep up their good work at the top of the order for the rest of the tournament.

Predicted XI-

Brisbane Heat: Sam Heazlett, Brendon McCullum, Joe Burns, Alex Ross, Ben Cutting, Jimmy Peirson, Cameron Gannon, Mark Steketee, Brendan Doggett, Yasir Shah, Mitchell Swepson

Sydney Sixers: Joe Denly, Daniel Hughes, Nic Maddinson, Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk, Carlos Brathwaite, Johan Botha, Peter Nevill, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Lyon