BBL Match Prediction | Big Bash League 2024-25 | Melbourne Renegades vs Brisbane Heat | Match 38 | Jan 18 – Can the last-positioned MR win this match? 

MR vs BH Match Analysis

Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat will play each other in the Big Bash League 2024-25 38th game on January 18, 2025, at noon BST at Docklands Stadium, Melbourne. 

The Melbourne Renegades have faced challenges with consistency this season. Currently, at the bottom of the points table, they have managed just one win in their last six matches. Their recent back-to-back losses to the Brisbane Heat are likely weighing on their minds.

The Brisbane Heat’s batsmen are in good form, and it will be intriguing to see if they can lead the team to victory.

MR vs BH Team Preview & Squads

Melbourne Renegades

The Melbourne Renegades have struggled the most this season, sitting at the bottom of the table. They suffered a 4-wicket defeat in their last game against the Hobart Hurricanes. The inconsistency of key players has significantly impacted their performance. Sutherland will be counting on a strong response from his team to secure a win and keep their hopes of progressing to the next round alive.

Josh Brown and Marcus Harris have lacked consistency, and the team needs a solid start from this duo. Jacob Bethell showed promise in the last game and will need to build partnerships with Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tim Seifert. In the lower middle order, Sutherland and Harry Dixon must contribute with impactful hits to help the team post a competitive total.

The MR bowling unit, led by Thomas Rogers and Jacob Bethell, will provide early breakthroughs against Brisbane Heat’s formidable batting lineup, which performed well in the last match. Fergus O’Neill and Will Sutherland need to strike during the middle overs to create opportunities for the Renegades. Adam Zampa will play a crucial role in the attack, supported by Callum Stow, to restrict the opposition.

Melbourne Renegades Squads

Melbourne Renegades Squads

Will Sutherland, Adam Zampa, Laurie Evans, Kane Richardson, Jonathan Wells, Hassan Khan, Gurinder Sandhu, Tim Seifert, Nathan Lyon, Harry Dixon, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Brown, Jacob Bethell, Mackenzie Harvey, Fergus O’Neill, Tom Rogers.

Brisbane Heat

The Brisbane Heat must bounce back from their heartbreaking 5-wicket loss to the Hobart Hurricanes in the last game. Despite a nail-biting finish that went down to the final ball, they missed the chance to secure a playoff spot. With this being a must-win game, Khawaja will be counting on a strong performance from his bowlers, who struggled in the previous match.

Usman Khawaja needs to set the tone for the innings with a solid start alongside Nathan McSweeney. Marnus Labuschagne, who impressed with the bat in the last game, will aim to accelerate the scoring in the middle order with support from Matt Renshaw and Max Bryant. Tom Alsop and Michael Neser, known for their big hitting, will be key to delivering a strong finish.

The BH bowling unit will be under pressure to improve after their disappointing display. Xavier Bartlett and Michael Neser need to produce tight spells with the new ball, addressing their previous shortcomings. Spencer Johnson, in good form, will be crucial during the middle overs, supported by Mitchell Swepson. Matthew Kuhnemann and Labuschagne must step up in their supporting roles to strengthen the attack.

Brisbane Heat Squads

Brisbane Heat Squads

Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Paul Walter, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Tom Alsop, Callum Vidler, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Daniel Drew, Jimmy Peirson, Jack Wood, Matt Renshaw, Colin Munro, Nathan McSweeney, Will Prestwidge, Tom Whitney, Marnus Labuschagne.

Melbourne Renegades vs Brisbane Heat outfield report 

Docklands Stadium, Melbourne

Eight of the previous 10 games at this location have been won by the team pursuing the score. In the first innings, getting a wicket is difficult, and in the second half, it is preferable to bat on. The team that wins the toss wants to limit the opposition to a short total by bowling first.

On January 16, there will be clear skies across Melbourne.

Batsmen will be able to freely use their strokes because the wicket will be flat. Given that the average first-inning score is 157 runs, the team batting first would need to score 170 runs on this wicket to feel secure.  

Melbourne Renegades vs Brisbane Heat Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In their last five matches, BH won 2 games and MR won 3.

Melbourne Renegades vs Brisbane Heat Prediction

Cricket analysts predict the Brisbane Heat have a 52% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.