The Brisbane Heat will host the high-flying Hobart Hurricanes at The Gabba in a crucial encounter for their playoff aspirations. Currently placed fifth with just 3 wins from 8 matches, Brisbane must secure victory to stay in contention. Meanwhile, Hobart Hurricanes are riding a stunning six-match winning streak and look poised to maintain their dominance.
Can Brisbane Heat end the Hurricanes’ winning spree, or will Hobart secure their seventh consecutive triumph? A gripping contest awaits!
Match Details
Fixture | Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes |
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Date | January 15, 2025 |
Time | 7:30 PM (Local Time) |
Venue | The Gabba, Brisbane |
Teams Preview
Brisbane Heat Preview
Brisbane Heat are desperate for a win after a tough outing against the Adelaide Strikers, where they failed to defend a target of 252 runs. Skipper Colin Munro has struggled with form and will be under pressure to deliver with the bat and guide his team to victory.
Nathan McSweeney (43 off 24) and Matt Renshaw (34 off 16) have been key contributors, providing stability to the middle order. Despite frequent changes in the opening pair, none of the combinations have delivered a strong start. The Heat’s inconsistency in batting remains a concern.
On the bowling front, Matthew Kuhnemann (3/50) and Mitchell Swepson (2/41) impressed in the previous game. However, the likes of Michael Neser, Spencer Johnson, and Xavier Bartlett must step up to contain the Hurricanes’ powerful batting lineup.
Key Players: Nathan McSweeney, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson
Predicted Playing XI:
| Jack Wood, Colin Munro (c), Nathan McSweeney, Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Tom Alsop (wk), Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Spencer Johnson |
Hobart Hurricanes Preview
The Hobart Hurricanes have been in sensational form, winning six consecutive matches. Their bowling attack, led by Riley Meredith (3/36) and Nathan Ellis (1/31), has restricted opponents effectively, while the batting unit has fired in unison.
Skipper Nathan Ellis has marshaled his resources well, and the team’s variety in bowling has been instrumental in their success. The presence of experienced campaigners like Chris Jordan, Peter Hatzoglou, and Billy Stanlake adds depth to their bowling arsenal.
In the batting department, Matthew Wade (36 off 23) and Mitchell Owen (24 off 14) have been pivotal in finishing games. With Caleb Jewell, Nikhil Chaudhary, and Tim David also in good form, the Hurricanes boast a formidable batting lineup.
Key Players: Matthew Wade, Riley Meredith, Nathan Ellis
Predicted Playing XI:
| Mitchell Owen, Matthew Wade (wk), Charlie Wakim, Nikhil Chaudhary, Caleb Jewell, Tim David, Jake Doran, Nathan Ellis (c), Peter Hatzoglou, Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake |
Fantasy Team XI
Position | Player |
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Captain | Matthew Wade |
Vice-Captain | Nathan McSweeney |
Batsmen | Matt Renshaw, Tim David, Caleb Jewell |
All-rounders | Mitchell Owen, Colin Munro |
Wicketkeeper | Tom Alsop |
Bowlers | Riley Meredith, Nathan Ellis, Mitchell Swepson, Michael Neser |
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
The Gabba offers a pace-friendly track with bounce and carry, providing assistance to fast bowlers. Batting gets easier as the game progresses, making chasing a preferred option. The average first-innings score is 161 runs, with totals above 180-185 runs being considered match-winning.
Weather Conditions
Brisbane will experience clear skies with temperatures around 35°C during the day. Despite recent rains, the weather is expected to remain dry, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
Toss Prediction
Teams bowling first have won all four matches at The Gabba this season. Both captains are likely to opt for fielding first if they win the toss.
Winning Prediction
While Brisbane Heat have shown glimpses of promise, Hobart Hurricanes’ formidable form and superior squad depth make them favorites. The Hurricanes’ balanced bowling attack and powerful batting lineup may prove too strong for the hosts.
Prediction: Hobart Hurricanes to win.
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