BBL Match Prediction | Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder | Big Bash League 2024-25 | Match 25 | Jan 06 – Can BH dominate the 2nd positioned ST.

BH vs ST Match Analysis

Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder will play each other in the Big Bash League 2024-25 25th Match on January 06, 2025, at 02:15 PM BST at The Gabba, Brisbane.

Brisbane Heat are in a challenging position with just two wins from six games, currently sitting in fifth place. However, they boast a strong recent record against the Thunder, having emerged victorious in their last three BBL encounters. 

Sydney Thunder is in second place, having accumulated 8 points from only five games. Their current form, marked by three consecutive victories, indicates they hold the advantage heading into this matchup.

BH vs ST Team Preview & Squads

Brisbane Heat

Brisbane Heat’s campaign has been a mix of highs and lows. They started strong with two consecutive wins but stumbling with three losses in a row, including a recent defeat to the Melbourne Stars. Their clash with the Sydney Sixers was abandoned without a ball being bowled, adding to their frustrations.

Looking to regain momentum, the Heat will depend on Nathan McSweeney for another standout performance. With 129 runs in 5 innings, he is the team’s second-highest run-scorer and can anchor the innings and deliver a match-winning knock when required.

Matt Renshaw (118 runs in 5 innings) has shown glimpses of consistency at the crease and will be crucial in stabilizing the innings. At the same time, Max Bryant’s power-hitting down the order remains a significant weapon. Bryant’s unbeaten 77 off 48 balls against the Stars rescued the Heat from a top-order collapse, helping them post a competitive total of 149-7.

On the bowling front, Xavier Bartlett has been a reliable performer, picking up 5 wickets in 5 games with an economy rate of 8.25. Alongside him, Spencer Johnson will need to shoulder much of the bowling burden, especially given the relative inexperience of the rest of the attack.

Brisbane Heat Squads

Brisbane Heat

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

Sydney Thunder

Sydney Thunder is in red-hot form in the BBL, with just one loss and four victories under their belt. Their most recent win was a nail-biting chase of 178 against the Perth Scorchers, sealed on the final ball. ST’s batting lineup has been in top gear, led by skipper David Warner, who has amassed 178 runs in 5 innings at an impressive average of 44.50 and a strike rate of 148.33.

However, the team faces setbacks with Cameron Bancroft sidelined for an extended period due to an injury sustained in the previous game, and Daniel Sams ruled out of the next four matches with a concussion. In their absence, Sam Billings (139 runs in 5 matches) will need to take on greater responsibility in the middle order.

Matthew Gilkes has also shown promising form, delivering strong performances in the two games he has played. Additionally, Sam Konstas is expected to return briefly after the Sydney Test and could feature in this game. On the bowling front, Chris Green has been the standout, taking 8 wickets in 5 games with an economical rate of 7.85. Wes Agar and Lockie Ferguson have also been effective, sharing 13 wickets between them, making the Thunder’s bowling attack both balanced and formidable.

Sydney Thunder Squads

Sydney Thunder

Nic Maddinson, Lockie Ferguson, Ryan Hadley, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Wes Agar, Sam Billings, Oliver Davies, David Warner, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Hatcher, Nathan McAndrew, Daniel Sams, William Salzmann, Sherfane Rutherford, Sam Konstas, Cameron Bancroft.

Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder outfield report 

The Gabba, Brisbane

The chasing team has prevailed in the last three BBL games played in Brisbane this season. As a result, it becomes sense to assume that the team that wins the toss in this game will likewise decide to bat first. Brisbane will have warm, pleasant weather that is ideal for playing Twenty20 cricket. 

For T20 cricket, the Brisbane Cricket Ground, also referred to as the Gabba, provides a well-balanced field. Fast bowlers benefit from the pace and carry, while batters can enjoy even bounce, which facilitates shot-making. As the game goes on, spinners can gain some traction.   

BH vs ST Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In their last five matches, BH won 3 games and ST won two.

Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder Prediction

Cricket analysts predict the Sydney Thunder have a 55% 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.