Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes BBL Preview

It is top versus bottom in Big Bash League 2020/21 as Brisbane Heat welcome Hobart Hurricanes to the Gabba in Brisbane. This match #16 will be played on Sunday. This will be the first of the two back-to-back matches between these sides to be played at the same venue.

Hobart Hurricanes have 11 points from four matches with three wins and a loss. Before Boxing Day fixtures, they are top of the table. Brisbane Heat are bottom of the points with three losses in three matches and only one point to its name.

The Heat lost to Melbourne Stars (six wickets), Sydney Thunder (four wickets), and Adelaide Strikers (two runs) although picking up ‘Bash Boost’ points in the first two matches. The performance against the Strikers was inspirational, though, as they came back from 68/8 to end at 148/9.

Stand-in captain Jimmy Peirson (88 runs, SR 151.72) will be crucial for the Heat, but will need the top-order of Max Bryant and Sam Heazlett to fire. Bowling will be all about surprise package Jack Wildermuth (four wickets) and Mark Steketee (three).

Brisbane Heat will miss the services of their regular captain Chris Lynn, who has suffered a lower grade strain. He is targeting a return to action from January 14. On the flip side, though, England all-rounder Lewis Gregory has completed his quarantine and is available for selection. Wicket-keeper batsman Lachy Pfeffer is line to make his debut after coming in as cover for Lynn.

The Hurricanes have three wins in four matches against Sydney Sixers (16 runs), Adelaide Strikers (11 runs), and Melbourne Renegades (six wickets). Their lone loss came against the Strikers when they were defeated by five wickets.

Batting remains the Hurricanes’ strong point with Colin Ingram (145 runs), Ben McDermott (135), and Tim David (124) all breaking the 100+ run barrier already. There’s no shortage of firepower with the ball, as James Faulkner (eight wickets) and Riley Meredith (five) have led the attack so far. 

England import Dawid Malan is ready to get involved for the Hurricanes having completed his quarantine period. 

Hobart Hurricanes have a 10-6 advantage over Brisbane Heat. The Heat have won the last two contests in the previous season, although the Hurricanes have won the four prior matches.

Brisbane Heat have been down in the dumps with their batting all over the place. Chris Lynn’s absence makes it even more difficult for them and that could be a big handicap for them against the in-form Hurricanes.

Brisbane Heat have been going through a very poor patch of results. It doesn’t help that their talismanic captain Chris Lynn is indisposed and will not play in this match. On top of that, the Hurricanes will get the additional bounty in the form of Dawid Malan – the world no.1 ranked T20I player. All these point to another poor outing for the Heat.