Deadline: January 23, 2020 at 1:40 PM IST
Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
Pitch report
The Gabba always creates an even contest between bat and ball: the average first and second innings scores read 143 and 127 respectively this season, and the average fall of wickets per match is 15. However, a target above 130 is yet to be chased at the venue.
Fantasy team
We have opted for a fantasy team on the basis of players’ impact, recent performances, and credit points.
You can also check players’ performances in the last 5 matches. Tap on the players’ images to get the data while making your fantasy team.
Wicketkeeper: Josh Philippe
Batsmen: Daniel Hughes, Steven Smith, Chris Lynn (c), AB de Villiers
All-rounders: Tom Curran (vc), Ben Cutting, Moises Henriques
Bowlers: Ben Laughlin, Lloyd Pope, Ben Dwarshuis
NOTE: Pick your fantasy cricket team wisely.
Value picks
Steven Smith will play his first game of the season. His T20 numbers are not as magnificent as they are in the longer formats, but his average is at par with the best in the business. He was awarded the Player of the Series in the last T20I series he played.
After his clinical knock of 40 on his debut, AB de Villiers has been uncharacteristic with his stroke play. More importantly, the Heat lost both matches when ABD walked back early. He will have to put his best foot forward if the Heat are to qualify for the playoffs.
Moises Henriques‘ 72 off 31 against the Stars took us down memory, reminding us of the player he once was. His innings comprised 8 sixes, but more importantly, it helped the Sixers beat the table-toppers.
Tom Curran has gone wicketless only twice in 12 matches, consistently providing breakthroughs at crucial intervals. His 17 wickets are the second-most this season.
Highest run-scorers
Chris Lynn: Runs 332 | SR 163 | 50×2
Josh Philippe: Runs 288 | SR 124 | 50×2
Matt Renshaw: Runs 262 | SR 130 | 50×2
Daniel Hughes: Runs 245 | SR 125
Moises Henriques: Runs 238 | SR 159 | 50×1
James Vince: Runs 236 | SR 125
Highest wicket-takers
Tom Curran: Wickets 17 | Economy 9.5
Ben Laughlin: Wickets 13 | Economy 9
Ben Dwarshuis: Wickets 12 | Economy 7.9
Lloyd Pope: Wickets 11 | Economy 7.4
Josh Lalor: Wickets 11 | Economy 7.9
Match prediction
The Sixers are comfortably placed at the second spot with 7 wins in 12 matches, while the Heat have been blowing hot and cold. However, both teams have an equally powerful team and the result can go in anyone’s favour.
Probable XIs
Heat: Sam Heazlett, Chris Lynn (c), Marnus Labuschagne, AB de Villiers, Matt Renshaw, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Ben Cutting, James Pattinson, Josh Lalor, Ben Laughlin, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Sixers: Josh Philippe (wk), Daniel Hughes, Steven Smith, James Vince, Moises Henriques (c), Tom Curran, Justin Avendano/Jordan Silk, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird, Josh Hazlewood
Also, get to know the tips & tricks on how to play fantasy cricket.
