Match Details
Date: 21 December 2022
Time: 1:45 PM IST
Venue: Simonds Stadium, Geelong
Ball-by-ball commentary: SportsTiger App
Preview
Melbourne Renegades have got the desired start to this new season of the Big Bash League. The Nic Maddinson-led team has won both games played so far. While they beat Brisbane Heat in their first game of the season, Renegade eased past Sydney Thunders in their second game of the season. Meanwhile, Brisbane Heat are yet to open their account. The only game they have played so far was against the Renegades and they lost it. Now, the Jimmy Peirson-led team stand a chance to avenge their defeat when the two teams meet on Wednesday.
Pitch Report
Geelong stadium pitch offers some assistance to the bowlers initially before getting settled down. In the 7 BBL matches played at this venue, 4 matches were won by the teams that were chasing. A total in the vicinity of 160-170 would be a competitive one here as the pitch at times also show the tendency to slow down as the match progresses.
Team Analysis
Melbourne Renegades
Melbourne Renegades have faced no difficulties in cruising past their opponents in the two games they have played so far. While their batters have ensured to put enough runs on the board, Renegades’ bowlers have done exceedingly well to defend the total. Aaron Finch, captain Nic Maddinson, Andre Russell, and Sam Harper have been among the runs and are expected to continue their good form in the match against Brisbane Heat as well. Meanwhile, Akeal Hosein has taken wickets at regular intervals. Kane Richardson is also there to strengthen the pace attack.
SportsTiger Playing XI of Melbourne Renegades
Sam Harper (wk), Nic Maddinson (c), Jake Fraser McGurk, Aaron Finch, Jonathan Wells, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Will Sutherland, Tom Rogers, Kane Richardson, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Brisbane Heat
Brisbane Heat have not had a winning start but they have played only one game so far. Now with Melbourne Renegades once again as their opposition, Brisbane Heat will have a chance to register their first win. They played decent cricket in their opening fixture but could not cross the line. Losing wickets upfront did not aid Heat’s cause. Captain Peirson tried to stand in the way but he got little support from others. Colin Munro and Ross Whiteley also played handy knocks but it was not just enough. Nevertheless, Brisbane Heat will bank on these names to do the job this time.
SportsTiger Playing XI of Brisbane Heat
Max Bryant, Josh Brown, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Jimmy Peirson (c & wk), Ross Whiteley, James Bazley, Mark Steketee, Xavier Bartlett, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann
M atch Prediction
Conclusion
Melbourne Renegades look like a more settled unit as compared to Brisbane Heat. Plies, they have the desired momentum. Hence, the Renegades will be the favourites to win the match.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.