BBLT20 Match Prediction BH vs MLS – Will the Heat Burn and Crush the Stars Today?
BH vs MLS Win Probability
BH 58% MLS 42%
BH vs MLS Betting Tips
A compelling New Year’s Day clash at the Gabba features two sides looking to bounce back from their recent string of losses!
- Brisbane Heat started strong with victories in their opening two matches before dropping their final two games of 2024.
- Melbourne Stars are currently on a concerning seven-game losing streak in the BBL, including all five matches this season.
- Brisbane Heat maintain a dominant recent record, with Melbourne Stars failing to defeat them since early 2022.
BH vs MLS Betting Odds
| Bookie | Brisbane Heat | Melbourne Stars |
|---|---|---|
| 1.71 | 2.16 | 1.75 |
| 2.04 |
BH vs MLS Match Prediction & Analysis
The Big Bash League 2024-25 season has delivered thrilling cricket entertainment, and as teams emerge from the New Year’s Eve celebrations, the focus shifts to crucial upcoming matches. However, for Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars, festive celebrations take a backseat as both teams look to overcome their recent poor form and secure a vital victory to kickstart 2025.
Brisbane Heat, playing on their home turf and carrying the prestige of being the defending champions, enter this contest as favorites. Despite suffering setbacks in their previous two encounters, they hold a psychological advantage having already defeated Melbourne Stars earlier in December at the MCG, a result they’ll be eager to replicate.
The situation appears particularly dire for Melbourne Stars, as another defeat could severely jeopardize their chances of progressing to the knockout stages. They desperately need to orchestrate a complete team performance to revitalize their campaign.
TEAMS PREVIEW
Brisbane Heat Preview
The Heat return to familiar territory at the Gabba, where they recently experienced an eight-wicket defeat against the in-form Sydney Sixers last Sunday. The team appears determined to bounce back and deliver a winning performance in front of their passionate home supporters.
The squad’s success could hinge on captain Colin Munro finding his rhythm, as he’s yet to reach double figures in BBL14. However, Nathan McSweeney has emerged as a reliable performer, leading the scoring charts for Brisbane Heat in both his Gabba appearances since stepping away from the Australian Test setup.
In the bowling department, Xavier Bartlett, who proved unplayable during their previous encounter with the Stars at the MCG, alongside Spencer Johnson, forms a formidable new-ball partnership capable of dismantling the Stars’ batting lineup.
Brisbane Heat Predicted Playing XI:
Tom Banton, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Colin Munro (c), Nathan McSweeney, Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Paul Walter, Xavier Bartlett, Mitchell Swepson, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann
Brisbane Heat Key Players From Previous Game Of Big Bash League, 2024-25
| Batsmen | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan McSweeney | 34 | 29 | 1 | 1 | 117.24 |
| Jimmy Peirson | 24 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 96 |
| Paul Walter | 22 | 18 | 3 | 0 | 122.22 |
| Bowlers | O | M | R | W | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Walter | 3.0 | 0 | 25 | 1 | 8.33 |
| Xavier Bartlett | 3.1 | 0 | 21 | 1 | 6.63 |
| Tom Banton | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Melbourne Stars Preview
The Stars’ campaign continues to disappoint, with their losing streak now extending to seven matches, including five consecutive defeats this season following two losses at the end of their previous BBL campaign. Marcus Stoinis’ team appears to be struggling with confidence as they approach this crucial fixture.
A silver lining has emerged in the form of England international Ben Duckett’s recent performances. The compact left-handed batsman has impressed with consecutive scores above 60 in the last two matches, consistently leading the Stars’ batting efforts. However, the team’s challenge remains finding support players who can deliver substantial contributions alongside Duckett’s impressive displays.
In the batting department, Melbourne Stars will rely heavily on the trio of Duckett, Stoinis, and Maxwell to provide the necessary firepower. The bowling responsibilities will primarily rest on the shoulders of seasoned campaigner Peter Siddle, along with the versatile Beau Webster and spin specialist Usama Mir.
Melbourne Stars Predicted Playing XI:
Sam Harper (wk), Ben Duckett, Marcus Stoinis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, Jonathan Merlo, Usama Mir, Joel Paris, Brody Couch, Peter Siddle
Table of Contents
Melbourne Stars Key Players From Previous Game Of Big Bash League, 2024-25
| Batsmen | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Duckett | 67 | 49 | 9 | 1 | 136.73 |
| Marcus Stoinis | 22 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 129.41 |
| Beau Webster | 20 | 16 | 3 | 0 | 125 |
| Bowlers | O | M | R | W | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beau Webster | 4 | 0 | 42 | 3 | 10.5 |
| Peter Siddle | 4 | 0 | 33 | 2 | 8.25 |
| Usama Mir | 4 | 0 | 37 | 2 | 9.25 |
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
| HR | Temp | Rain | W. speed | W. direction | Clouds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00 | 27 | 0 mm | 3.25 k/h | From: SE | 100% |
| 03 | 28 | 0 mm | 5 k/h | From: ESE | 100% |
| 06 | 27 | 0 mm | 5.13 k/h | From: E | 99% |
| 09 | 24 | 0 mm | 2.95 k/h | From: ESE | 48% |
| 12 | 23 | 0 mm | 1.98 k/h | From: ESE | 62% |
| 15 | 22 | 1.39 mm | 1.55 k/h | From: S | 99% |
| 18 | 21 | 0.10 mm | 1.61 k/h | From: SSW | 100% |
| 21 | 23 | 0.24 mm | 1.88 k/h | From: S | 100% |
Weather Conditions
The forecast indicates scattered showers during the afternoon in Brisbane, though these are expected to clear by evening. Players and spectators can anticipate comfortable playing conditions with temperatures maintaining above 22 degrees throughout the match duration.
BH vs MLS Pitch Report
The Gabba’s reputation as a premier cricket venue remains intact, with Ben Duckett particularly motivated to showcase his skills at this ground before next year’s Ashes series. The pitch is anticipated to offer considerable bounce combined with some movement, setting a competitive first innings target around 180 runs.
Toss: To Bowl
Following the pattern established in this season’s BBL, where both previous matches at the Gabba were won by teams choosing to field first, we anticipate both captains will opt to bowl if they win the toss.
BH vs MLS Winning Prediction
Despite the presence of in-form Duckett and the game-changing potential of Glenn Maxwell, Brisbane Heat emerge as the stronger contender. Given Melbourne Stars’ current form, having suffered defeats in all five of their matches this season, we expect this trend to continue.
Our prediction favors Brisbane Heat to secure victory in this encounter!
