Brisbane Heat's tough challenge in the Challenger against Adelaide Strikers
| Date | January 22, 2024 |
| Time | 1:45 PM IST |
| Venue | Carrara Oval, Queensland |
| Format | T20 |
| Series | Big Bash League 2023-24 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- McSweeney and Renshaw share odds of 3.95 to be Brisbane Heat's best batsman.
- Matthew Short has odds of 2.42 to be Adelaide Strikers' best batsman
- Xavier Bartlett has odds of 3.70 to be Brisbane Heat's best bowler
- David Payne leads with odds of 4.30 to be Adelaide Strikers' best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
The Brisbane Heat face a tough challenge against the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League 2023-24 Challenger match. The Heat lost to the Sydney Sixers in the Qualifier, and the exit of a few key players has lowered the team's odds. They must put up a good show and leave the losses behind to reach the final. The Adelaide Strikers defeated the Perth Scorchers in the last game and are in good form. It is a do-or-die match for both teams, and we expect a cracker of a contest.
Brisbane Heat Preview
The Brisbane Heat dominated the tournament, but the side seems to have lost steam at the most crucial phase. They went down against the Sydney Sixers by 39 runs in the Qualifier, their second consecutive loss. They have had a good record against the Adelaide Strikers, and skipper Nathan McSweeney would like his team to take inspiration from those wins and make it to the finals for the second consecutive season.
Their batting has weakened with the exit of Colin Munro and Sam Billings. The side will need a good start from Josh Brown and Jimmy Peirson. Nathan McSweeney must hold the innings together, and he will look to build partnerships with Matt Renshaw and Max Bryant. The lower middle order must deliver the goods, and the side will need a good show from Paul Walter and Michael Neser.
The side will need a good show with the new ball from Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett, as the strikers have a strong batting lineup. Spencer Johnson has bowled well and will have to pick wickets in the middle overs with Matthew Kuhnemann. The side will also need a good show from Mitchell Swepson and Paul Walter in the supporting role.
Expected Starting XI for Brisbane Heat
Nathan McSweeney (c), Jimmy Peirson (wk), Josh Brown, Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Paul Walter, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann
Adelaide Strikers Preview
Matthew Short's side comes here in good form. They defeated the Perth Scorchers in the Knockout game by 50 runs. The side had a poor start in the tournament, but they come into this contest with five consecutive wins. They will look to ride the momentum and make it to the final for the first time since 2017-2018.
Matthew Short will look to lead from the front and deliver a positive start with his partner, D'Arcy Short. Jake Weatherald, Thomas Kelly, and Harry Nielsen have important roles in this game, and the team will need runs from them. The side will also need runs in the lower middle order from Ben Manenti and James Bazley.
The bowlers did a good job in the last game, and the side will expect early wickets in the game from David Payne and Short. Henry Thornton and Lloyd Pope are in good form, and the side will need good performances. Cameron Boyce and Ben Manenti complete a strong attack for the team.
Expected Starting XI for Adelaide Strikers
Matthew Short (c), D'Arcy Short, Jake Weatherald, Thomas Kelly, Harry Nielsen (wk), Ben Manenti, James Bazley, Henry Thornton, David Payne, Cameron Boyce, Lloyd Pope
TOSS: To Bowl First
We saw a slow wicket in the last game played at this venue. It won't be a run feast but a contest where batsmen must play smartly. Chasing scores on such wickets is always easy, and the side that wins the toss in this game won't hesitate to bowl first.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
We expect overcast skies over Queensland. The wicket will be tough to bat on and a good surface for the fast bowlers. Batsmen must be watchful on this wicket and choose their strokes wisely. The side batting first will be happy to have 160 runs on board.
OUR PREDICTION
The Brisbane Heat are under pressure after two consecutive losses. Their batting lineup has looked weak in the last two games, and the side must do well with the bat to win this game. The Adelaide Strikers are in good form, and their bowling attack has done well in the last few games. We expect a close game, but the Strikers have momentum on their side and a slight edge.
Our Prediction is for Adelaide Strikers to win
)
