Sydney Sixers became the first team to qualify for the grand finale of the Big Bash League 2020 (BBL 2020) after managing to defeat Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier. Perth Scorchers will now be playing the winner of the knockout match, which is scheduled to take place between Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat at the Manuka Oval, this Sunday.
Thunder who finished third in the table made to the knockout giving them the perk of a match. While their opponents-Brisbane Heat hammered the Adelaide Strikers in the Eliminator by 6 wickets.
The teams have met each other twice prior to this outing and they stand one apiece. The first encounter went in favor of Thunder. While the Heat bounced back well in the second meeting to come on top by 5 wickets and almost an over to spare.
Heat are in wonderful touch and they would hope they can get the all-important win here and meet the Scorchers in what will be a virtual semi-final. The Thunder will be coming into the match on the luxury of a 5-day break and that would have definitely given the players and management to prepare well for this crucial clash.
Can Chris Lynn and Co. continue their winning momentum? Or will Alex Hales once again blow away the opponents?
Match Toss Time: 18:45 Local (13:15 IST)
Match Start Time: 19:15 Local (13:45 IST)
Match Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra
Weather Report
The conditions are well in favor of cricket, it is expected to be cloudy and overcast throughout the day but nothing that threatens the game. The temperature is expected to be hovering in the 18-15 degree Celsius and the humidity at the peak is likely to touch the 87 percent mark.
Pitch
As we saw in the Qualifier played today between Sixers and Scorchers, the pitch is ideal for batting. The teams chasing at this venue have tasted more success and for that reason, the team winning the toss should be looking to chase down. Said that the overcast conditions may provide the bowlers a bit of movement.
Team News
Thunder comes on the back of a dominating 9-wicket win over the Strikers. They do have a well-settled team and the balance has been well maintained. No changes are expected in their side from what was featured in the last game.
Heat on the other side have clicked well on time and they are now just a few games away from the big prize. Their skipper Chris Lynn has been leading from the front and the inclusion of Marnus Labuschagne has worked wonders for the team.
Heat’s opener Max Bryant was reported to be injured and was not part of the last encounter. He is still in the recovery process, which means Sam Heazlett will have one more go.
Probable Playing Xl
Sydney Thunder (THU): Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (c), Sam Billings (wk), Alex Ross, Ben Cutting, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green, Adam Milne, Brendan Doggett, Tanveer Sangha
Brisbane Heat (HEA): Sam Heazlett, Chris Lynn (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Joe Denly, Joe Burns, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Lewis Gregory, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Ben Laughlin, Morne Morkel, Xavier Bartlett
THU vs HEA Fantasy Team
Sam Billings, Joe Denly, Chris Lynn, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson, Marnus Labuschagne, Ben Cutting, Mitchell Swepson, Mark Steketee, Nathan McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha
Captain Picks: Marnus Labuschagne (HEA), Callum Ferguson (THU)
Vice-captain Picks: Alex Hales (THU), Chris Lynn (HEA)
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