Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat, Big Bash League 2020-21, Today Match Prediction 21 Jan 2021

ads vs brh Match Prediction & Analysis

Adelaide Strikers haven’t had the season they would have hoped for and are currently 7th on the table with 20 points and a poor net run rate of -0.205. Now, they will have to target to win all their remaining matches to make a real shot for making it to the top 4. They will take confidence from the fact that they had beaten Brisbane Heat, their next opponents, the last time they had played against them this season. Brisbane is in quite a similar situation to Adelaide – 6th on the table with 21 points and a net run rate of -0.131. They lost their last match and would be desperate for a win as well which should give us a cracker of a contest.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Adelaide Strikers Preview

Adelaide Strikers’ win against Melbourne Stars last week had come as a surprise. It felt as if the Strikers might take that form and do something big. But their dreams came crashing down in the very next match against the Stars as they were walloped by 111 runs. Chasing a target of 180 runs, the Strikers were shot out for just 68 runs. That massive loss has now seriously messed up their net run rate and their chances of qualifying for the final 4.

In the last match, Adelaide’s entire batting unit collapsed. They do have performers who have done consistently well for the team throughout the season like skipper Alex Carey (280 runs), Jake Weatherald (254 runs), Philip Salt (226 runs), and Jonathan Wells (222 runs). These four have held the batting unit together and would again be the main men to watch out for.

Their bowling, meanwhile, suddenly feels hollow after the departure of star leg-spinner Rashid Khan who could always be counted on to produce a magical spell. Now, the onus will be on Wes Agar (17 wickets) and spinner Daniel Worrall (9 wickets) to do the job. 

Adelaide Strikers Predicted Playing XI:

Philip Salt, Alex Carey (c & wk), Matt Renshaw, Jonathan Wells, Jake Weatherald, Ryan Gibson, Cameron Valente, Daniel Worrall, Danny Briggs, Wes Agar, Liam O Connor

Adelaide Strikers Actual Playing XI:

Michael Neser, Phil Salt, Matt Renshaw, Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Jake Weatherald, Danny Briggs, Liam O'Connor, Peter Siddle, Ryan Gibson, TM Head

Brisbane Heat Preview

Brisbane Heat, much like Adelaide, has had a topsy-turvy season and they just haven’t been able to find a winning momentum. Moreover, they are coming off a deflating 59-run loss against Perth Scorchers in their last game. While chasing a target of 175 runs, Brisbane was restricted to just 115 runs.

The problem with Brisbane is that they are too dependent on captain Chris Lynn to bail them out every time. Lynn is by far their leading run-getter with 300 runs in 7 matches and has been in great form. However, the others in the batting unit haven’t supported him. The likes of Max Bryant (248 runs), Jimmy Peirson (181 runs), and Joe Denly (133 runs) have really got to step up now for the team.

Brisbane’s bowling has been decent but they too have suffered a blow with Mujeeb Ur Rahman leaving for international duties. Now, the onus will be squarely on Mark Steketee (18 wickets) and Jack Wildermuth (12 wickets) to do the job. The experience of Morne Morkel, who returned with figures of 2-24 in the previous match, might come in handy, too.

Brisbane Heat Predicted Playing XI:

Chris Lynn (c), Max Bryant, Joe Denly, Joe Burns, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Lewis Gregory, Jack Wildermuth, Mark Steketee, Morne Morkel, Matthew Kuhnemann, James Bazley

Brisbane Heat Actual Playing XI:

Marnus Labuschagne, Lewis Gregory, Joe Burns, Jimmy Peirson, Xavier Bartlett, Joe Denly, Mitchell Swepson, Morne Morkel, Mark Steketee, Jack Wildermuth, Chris Lynn

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at the Adelaide Oval is a good one for batting in general but tends to remain even throughout. Seamers and spinners both have found success here although the slower bowlers excel more towards the second half. 

The weather in Adelaide for the day of the game is expected to be clear and warm. Hence, we should have a full game.
 

Venue Details

The average first innings score at the Adelaide Oval this year has been 165 with the highest one being 177-7 by Adelaide Strikers that was chased down by Melbourne Renegades. The team batting first in this match should be targeting a total of around 170-180 runs to be safe.

Toss: To Bat

Teams batting first have had a much better record at the Adelaide Oval in recent years and hence the side that wins the toss is likely to bat first.