BBL Prediction | Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat | Big Bash League 2024 | 19th Match | Jan 1 – Can MS End Their Losing Streak and Upset BH?

MS vs BH Match Analysis

The 19th match of the 2024-2025 Big Bash League sees Brisbane Heat take on the Melbourne Stars on January 1, 2025, at the Gabba, Brisbane. This highly anticipated contest will begin at 2:15 PM as both teams look to make an impact in the competition.

Melbourne Stars, guided by the experienced Adam Zampa, will aim to bounce back with their strong blend of attacking batsmen and reliable bowlers. With players like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis in their ranks, the Stars have the potential to challenge any team.

Brisbane Heat, led by their captain Usman Khawaja, will rely on their explosive batting lineup and dynamic bowling attack. With key players like Jimmy Peirson and Marnus Labuschagne, they will be eager to secure a crucial win.

Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat Team Preview & Squads

Melbourne Stars

The MS are one of the top franchises in the Big Bash League, guided by the highly experienced Peter Moores. With a wealth of international coaching experience, Moores has built a team that blends established stars with promising newcomers. 

Leading the Stars is the dynamic Marcus Stoinis, a captain known for his all-round skills and calm leadership. As a powerful middle-order batsman and a useful medium-fast bowler, Stoinis’ influence on the field is immense. 

Glenn Maxwell, another key figure in the team, is renowned for his aggressive batting and crafty off-spin. Alongside Maxwell, Stoinis offers the team flexibility with his well-rounded abilities, both with the bat and ball. Ben Duckett, with his sound technique, plays a vital role at the top of the order.

In the 14th Match of the Big Bash League on December 28, 2024, the Sydney Thunder emerged victorious over the MS by 18 runs. The Thunder posted a total of 182/8 in their allotted 20 overs, while the Stars were restricted to 164/8 in their chase, falling short of the target.

Melbourne Stars Squads

Melbourne Stars

Scott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke, Brody Couch, Tom Curran, Ben Duckett(WK), Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Hamish McKenzie, Jonathan Merlo, Adam Milne, Joel Paris, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis(C), Usama Mir, Doug Warren, Beau Webster.

Brisbane Heat

The BH, a dynamic team in the Big Bash League, are under the guidance of coach Johan Botha, a former international cricketer with a deep understanding of T20 formats.

The team is captained by Usman Khawaja, a seasoned top-order batsman known for his reliability and composed approach. Khawaja’s leadership is marked by his steady influence at the crease and his ability to hold the innings together, bringing calm and clarity to the Heat’s batting lineup.

Key players like Nathan McSweeney, who provides significant batting depth, and Matt Renshaw, contributing with both the bat and handy spin bowling, add versatility to the team. Spencer Johnson, known for his pace and aggressive bowling, strengthens the Heat’s bowling attack. 

The BH posted 138/9 in their allotted 20 overs, with key contributions from their middle order, but their total proved insufficient. The Sixers, led by an efficient chase, reached 142/2 in just 16.1 overs, sealing the victory comfortably. 

Brisbane Heat Squads

Brisbane Heat

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

MS vs BH Outfield Report

Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba, Brisbane

Woolloongabba’s pitch is generally known for being batter-friendly, providing plenty of runs, particularly in the shorter formats like T20. The wicket offers consistent bounce and good pace, which allows batsmen to play their shots freely. The ball typically comes on to the bat well, and the outfield is fast, which adds to the run-scoring opportunities.

In the summer months, which coincide with the Big Bash League season, expect hot and humid conditions, often with the potential for rain showers or thunderstorms, especially in the late afternoon or evening. The temperature typically ranges between 25°C and 35°C during the BBL season.

The Brisbane Cricket Ground has hosted several exciting T20 matches in the past. Here are some notable trends and scores from previous Big Bash League matches, High Scoring Matches: Teams have often posted scores well over 170, with many high totals in the 180-200 range. 

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

Brisbane Heat has had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning 4 out of the last 5 matchups. Stars won one.

MS vs BH Prediction

According to cricket analysts Brisbane Heat have a 56% 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.