Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers (BRHvPRS): The 53th Match of KFC BBL 2021-22 will be played between these two teams BRH vs PRS, The match will begin on 17 January 2022 at 02:45 PM IST.
Key Points:
- Perth Scorchers have a better balanced side between the two, at least on paper
- The Scorchers have done a better job in the tournament thus far and will be brimming with confidence
- Brisbane Heat are still struggling to find their best combination and that uncertainty might well hurt them big time against a settled side like Brisbane Heat
Team Analysis:
With at most two matches remaining each for all sides in the league stage of the Big Bash League 2021, things are getting pretty clear as far as the qualification scenarios are concerned. Three teams – Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers, and Sydney Thunder are all already through to the next round and only one spot is now up for grabs.
Up next in the tournament, Brisbane Heat will be taking on Perth Scorchers in a match that may not have any impact on the occupants of the top four, but would still be an important one for both these sides.
Match Details:
Date: January 17, 2022
Time: 02:45 PM (IST)
Venue: Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Live Streaming: Sony LIV App
TV: Sony Sports Network
Pitch and Weather Conditions:
The Docklands Stadium is a brilliant venue for batsmen. The pitch is very good to bat on and the boundaries are quite small. There is a bit of rain predicted but nothing that should cause too much a problem. We expect to see a lot of sixes and the par score could be well above 160.
Team Preview:
Brisbane Heat (BRH):
Brisbane Heat were following a trajectory pretty similar to how they did in the last year and just when it looked like they would claw their way back into the reckoning, Covid-19 spoiled all their plans. Brisbane Heat had to change their side overnight, resulting in back to back unfavorable results. Even though their regular players returned, Brisbane Heat could never get their momentum back.
As it currently stands, they have 15 points to their name and are already knocked out from the playoff contention. Even a couple of big wins from here will keep them behind Hobart Hurricanes, who currently occupy the fifth spot on the ladder. Out of a total of 12 matches played, Brisbane Heat have won just three and lost nine. They have a terrible net run rate of -0.895, which anyway is no longer going to matter.
Brisbane Heat are coming into this match on the back of four consecutive losses and are likely to be running low on morale. They were completely outplayed by Melbourne Stars in their last match as they faced a heavy eight-wicket loss. Batting first, they managed to put up just about a par score of 149 for 6, which was overhauled by Stars with 37 balls remaining.
To add to the woes of Heat, Fakhar Zaman is no longer available to play, leaving a big void in their top order. Having troubles dealing with form and Covid-19, Brisbane Heat have a rather unsettled side and that is evident by the performances they have put in thus far. However, they have some match-winners available, who all can win matches single handedly on their days. They would need them to come good and if that happens, Perth Scorchers will be in for a stiff challenge.
Likely XI: Chris Lynn, Nathan McSweeney, Lachlan Pfeffer, Ben Duckett, Sam Heazlett, Jimmy Peirson, Michael Neser, James Bazley, Mark Steketee, Matt Kuhnemann, Mitchell Swepson.
Please check the team once when Playing XI Announced.
Perth Scorchers (PRS):
With 38 points already to their name, Perth Scorchers no longer have to worry about getting to the next round. In fact, regardless of what happens in this upcoming contest, they are certain to finish among the top two sides, which will have a bit of extra advantage. Having said that, this is their last league game and they would want to retain the momentum they have before moving to play the qualifier match.
Perth Scorchers had an ordinary start to the tournament, but their usual suspects didn’t take a lot of time to hit the top gear. More recently as well, they have done a pretty good job, winning four of their last six matches. As it currently stands, they are placed at the top of the points table with 10 wins in 13 games. Besides, they have a terrific net run rate of 0.950, which is second only to the net run rate of Sydney Sixers.
They are coming off an unanticipated loss at the hands of Adelaide Strikers and will be very keen to get back to the winning ways. Against the Strikers, the Scorchers’ batsmen looked clueless as they together were able to score a total of 127 runs. This was a nothing total for their bowlers to defend, but they tried hard, picking up four wickets and stretching the game till 17th over.
With Mitchell Marsh likely to join them back, Perth Scorchers will be a much stronger side, at least on paper. Even in his absence, they are an immaculately balanced team that has all their bases covered, be it bowling or batting. They have been in terrific form and will be looking to end their league stage with a flourish. If they are able to play to their on-paper potential, there’s no reason why they cannot find their way back to the wins.
Likely XI: Kurtis Patterson, Nick Hobson, Laurie Evans, Ashton Turner, Aaron Hardie, Chris Sabburg, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Hatzoglou, David Moody, Lance Morris.
Please check the team once when Playing XI Announced.
Squads:
Brisbane Heat Squad: Xavier Bartlett, Tom Cooper, Sam Heazlett, Chris Lynn, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Jimmy Pierson (c), Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Williams, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Ben Duckett, Tom Abell, Jack Wildermuth, James Bazley, Matt Kuhnemann, Max Bryant, Connor Sully
Perth Scorchers Squad: Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Aaron Hardie, Peter Hatzoglou, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kelly, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Kurtis Patterson, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Colin Munro, Brydon Carse, Laurie Evans