BBL 7, Match 8: Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder - Match Prediction

We got a battle between two of the best batsman in the T20 format all set to be battled out on Wednesday between the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder as Kiwi superstar Brendon McCullum battles it out against Australian all-rounder Shane Watson.

With Chris Lynn expected to make a comeback after being ruled out due to injury, the party is all set to kick off with some fireworks. Both the outfits have recorded losses in their second clashes after impressive victories in their opening games which indicates the intensity with which they will approach the third clash in order to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.

Here’s what we, at CricTracker predict will be the final result-

Scenario 1: Brisbane Heat win the toss

Toss Prediction: Heat decide to bowl first

First Innings Prediction: 170-180

Result Prediction: Heat win by 5 wickets.

Scenario 2: Sydney Thunder win the toss

Toss Prediction: Thunder opt to bat first

First Innings Prediction: 165-175

Result Prediction: Brisbane Heat win by 5 runs

Head to Head Record

Total matches played – 6, Brisbane Heat – 5, Sydney Thunder won – 1, No Result/ Tied – 0.

Brisbane Heat

The Brisbane Heat will be kicking themselves after recording a paltry score of 132 against the Renegades which proved too difficult to defend even for their formidable bowling attack consisting of the likes of Swepson, Cutting and Shadab Khan. Shadab has proven to be a very good addition to the side after threatening to take the game away from the Renegades even after being handed a low score to defend in an abysmal performance by the batsman.

McCullum needs to get back to the basics and try settling down before going for the shots early on which has proven to be his major weakness so far. The likes of Peirson, Heazlett, Labuschagne need to deliver much better performances with the willow if the Brisbane Heat hope to lift the trophy by any means this season.

Predicted XI: James Peirson, Brendon McCullum, Sam Heazlett, Marcus Labuschagne, Alex Ross, Ben Cutting, Rashid Khan, Josh Lalor, Mark Steketee, Brendan Doggett, Mitchell Swepson.

Sydney Thunder

The Sydney Thunder, on the other hand, seem to be overly reliant on the brilliance of captain Shane Watson with the rest of batsmen like Jos Buttler, Ryan Gibson, Ben Rohrer failing to register a significant impact in the 2 games played out so far. Watson’s failure on the night proved to be the final nail in the coffin for the Thunders as they meekly bowed out for a score of 110 in just 17.4 overs.

Mitchell McClenaghan has been a sublime addition to the side with his consistency and aggression breathing fresh life into the Thunder bowling attack. Spinner Arjun Nair has also been one to watch out for with his impressive control and maturity beyond the years.

Predicted XI: Jos Buttler, Kurtis Patterson, Shane Watson, Ryan Gibson, Ben Rohrer, Arjun Nair, Aiden Blizzard, Chris Green, Mitchell McClenaghan, Fawad Ahmed, Andrew Fekete.

The Brisbane Heat will be expected to record another win at home against the Sydney Thunder.

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