Thursday is set to be a busy day for the cricket fans as we have three thrilling encounters on the cards. We have already discussed the clashes between Australia taking on India and the clash of the BBL table toppers. The second match of the doubleheader is set to feature Brisbane Heat and Stars at the Carrara Oval in Brisbane.
Head came into the tournament as the favorites but the unavailability of their skipper for more than three matches has put them in a troublesome spot. They are currently placed 7th on the points table with 12 points and with 7 more matches to be played, they are well in the race for the play-offs. Stars on the other side after a few rough games have bounced back well to winning ways and a win here with a bash point could see them leap to the third place.
The previous meeting between the sides was held at the Manuka Oval. The match was an one-way affair from the word go. Stars after winning the crucial toss elected to bowl first and did a commendable job to reduce Chris Lynn and Co. to 125. The Stars in return were a bit shaky at the start after they lost their openers early but clinical forties by Cartwright and skipper Maxwell ensured they got over the line rather comfortably.
Both the teams come into this encounter on the back of wins. Heat had a fruitful outing against the Thunder after winning the match by 5 wickets. The Stars on the other side played a thriller of a match against the Hurricanes to come out on top by 10 runs.
Match Toss Time: 19:50 Local (15:20 IST)
Match Start Time: 20:20 Local (15:50 IST)
Match Venue: Carrara Oval, Queensland
Weather Report
The conditions are not quiet in favor of cricket as rain is expected at regular intervals during the game. The chances are high for the match to be a curtailed one. The temperature is expected to be hovering in the 26-22 degree Celsius degree range and the humidity at the peak is likely to touch the 74 percent mark.
Pitch
Pitch in Carrara Oval is a batman friendly one but the continuous rainfall over the last couple of days is expected to have made the outfield on the slower side. The team winning the toss should be looking to bat first keeping in the mind the rain factor.
Team News
Heat, after a losing streak have managed to get back to winning ways. The return of their skipper Chris Lynn has definitely boosted their confidence. Joe Burns has struck gold and seems to be doing an exceptional job at the top. Heat would be happy to feature the same Xl that won the game against Thunder.
Stars showed a slight decline in form and they did not let the slope continue that way as they bounced back well in the last game courtesy of their star opener Marcus Stoinis. Stars do seem a well balanced side now but the form of Nick Larkin does look concerning. Stars would be looking to replace the 30-year old with Ben Dunk for this encounter.
Probable Playing Xl
Brisbane Heat (HEA): Max Bryant, Joe Burns, Joe Denly, Jack Wildermuth, Jimmy Peirson (c & wk), Lewis Gregory, James Bazley, Mark Steketee, Xavier Bartlett, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Chris Lynn
Melbourne Stars (STA): Andre Fletcher, Marcus Stoinis, Nick Larkin/Ben Dunk, Hilton Cartwright, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell (c), Seb Gotch (wk), Adam Zampa, Liam Hatcher, Sam Rainbird, Billy Stanlake
HEA vs STA Fantasy Team
Jimmy Peirson, Joe Burns, Max Bryant, Chris Lynn, Hilton Cartwright, Jack Wildermuth, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Liam Hatcher, Billy Stanlake
Captain Picks: Glenn Maxwell (STA), Marcus Stonins (STA)
Vice-captain Picks: Mujeeb ur Rahman (HEA), Joe Burns (HEA)
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