Big Bash – Brisbane Heat versus Melbourne Stars Preview

Posted on December 20, 2017December 20, 2017 | Posted by David Shortte

Tonight’s Big Bash clash between the Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars at the GABBA promises to deliver some serious fireworks.

The GABBA has been a ground that is associated with big scores in recent Big Bash seasons and both sides possess some serious hitting power with the likes of Lynn, McCullum and Cutting for the Heat while the Stars have their own dynamite with the likes of Maxwell, Wright, Pietersen, Stoinis and Faulkner.

This match holds intrigue for a number of different reasons. The Stars have always looked a good side on paper but generally have failed to deliver in clutch moments. Brisbane are coming off a very good season where they finished second on the table before losing their semi-final to the Sydney Sixers. Chris Lynn has declared himself good to go after shoulder surgery and the Big Bash’s most exciting batsman can prove the difference in a game like this if he can return somewhere near his top. In Lynn’s last 2 seasons he has managed 378 runs at an average of 54 and 309 runs at an average of 154.5!

The Melbourne Stars have added last season’s leading Big Bash run-scorer Ben Dunk (364 runs at an average of 52) to their team and he is a player that many of their power hitters will be able to bat around. Skipper John Hastings shapes as a key player for the Stars with the ball. Just 2 seasons ago he was the tournament’s leading wicket taker with 16 wickets and he can be hard to get away late in an innings.

Watch out for the TABtouch special right throughout the course of the Big Bash whereby if you place a Match Result bet and your team wins, and 13 or more sixes are scored in the match, you will receive a 50% bonus on your winnings up to $50 (on-line account bets only).

This game in particular appeals greatly as a game where you will be receiving a bonus if you can pick the right winning team. Given the venue and scoring power of both teams I would be very surprised if there wasn’t more than 13 sixes scored in this match.

With TABtouch match result betting sees the Melbourne Stars as the favourites at $1.80 while the Brisbane Heat are at $2.05.

It is a really tough match to call with the Stars seemingly having more depth however the Heat with McCullum and Lynn have the ability to blow away almost any score.

Verdict : In what I think will be a tight contest I’ll go with the value and home ground advantage and stick with the Brisbane Heat at $2.05.

Star Bets

Most Runs Brisbane Heat : Chris Lynn $3.50

Most Wickets Melbourne Stars : John Hastings $4.50

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