Melbourne Renegades vs Brisbane Heat, Big Bash League 2020-21, Today Match Prediction 23 Jan 2021

mlr vs brh Match Prediction & Analysis

Melbourne Renegades pulled off a sensational win in their last game against Melbourne Stars and would be still reeling from its effects. While that victory still hasn’t helped them move up from the bottom of the table, it must have given them the confidence to finish the season on a high. Their next clash is against Brisbane Heat at home who are not in the greatest of forms but have already beaten Renegades once this season. They are coming off two back-to-back losses that have pushed them to the 7th spot on the table and hence badly need this win or they might slip out from the Playoffs race.
 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Melbourne Renegades Preview

This has been a forgettable season for Melbourne Renegades where they have not been able to push themselves up from the bottom position. 3 wins in 12 matches at a net run rate of -1.964 doesn’t make for good reading. However, the Renegades will be delighted that they clinched a terrific 5-wicket win against the Melbourne Stars in their previous game. While chasing a target of 159, the Renegades were reeling at 97-5 in 15.3 overs but a late heist orchestrated by Mackenzie Harvey (47* off 21 balls) and Beau Webster (22* off 9 balls) helped the team push past their rivals just three days after losing to them.

Now, the Renegades would hope they can achieve something similar against Brisbane Heat. Shaun Marsh (272 runs) and Sam Harper (275 runs) have been their most notable batsmen throughout the season and the team would depend on them. And all eyes would be on Mackenzie Harvey too.

On the bowling front, Zak Evans and Peter Hatzoglou excelled in the last game. Spinner Imad Wasim and Josh Lalor did a fine job too. But they might need the experience of Kane Richardson again even though he’s been expensive. 
 

Melbourne Renegades Predicted Playing XI:

Aaron Finch (c), Shaun Marsh, Sam Harper (wk), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Beau Webster, Imad Wasim, Jack Prestwidge, Josh Lalor/ Kane Richardson, Zak Evans, Peter Hatzoglou

Melbourne Renegades Actual Playing XI:

Aaron Finch, Jack Prestwidge, Josh Lalor, Sam Harper, Mackenzie Harvey, SI Wasim, Shaun Marsh, Jake Fraser McGurk, Zak Evans, Peter Hatzoglou, BJ Webster

Brisbane Heat Preview

A couple of weeks back, Brisbane Heat was looking good to make it to the Playoff stage. However, they have lost 3 of their last 4 games that has made them slip to the 7th spot on the table with 21 points and a net run rate of -0.479. What really hurt their cause is to back-to-back big losses – by 59 runs against Perth Scorchers and by 82 runs against Adelaide Strikers.

Brisbane’s batting has been the main culprit in the last two games and managed exactly 115 runs while chasing big targets. They are overwhelmingly dependent on captain Chris Lynn who has been the leading run-getter of the season for the team with 317 runs. However, the likes of Joe Denly, Joe Burns, and Lewis Gregory would really need to step up. Max Bryant (273 runs) has been another dependable performer who has to click. The return of Marnus Labuschagne should also help Brisbane.

Brisbane’s bowling has been quite disappointing recently. With Mujeeb Ur Rahman gone, the unit suddenly looks hollow and is conceding plenty of runs. Mark Steketee, the leading wicket-taker of the season for the team with 19 wickets, has gone over 10 an over on the last two games and really needs to be better. Xavier Bartlett and Morne Morkel could be the main bowlers to watch out for.
 

Brisbane Heat Predicted Playing XI:

Joe Burns, Chris Lynn (c), Joe Denly, Marnus Labuschagne, Lewis Gregory, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Jack Wildermuth, Mark Steketee, Xavier Bartlett, Mitchell Swepson, Max Bryant

Brisbane Heat Actual Playing XI:

Marnus Labuschagne, Lewis Gregory, Joe Burns, Jimmy Peirson, Xavier Bartlett, Joe Denly, Mitchell Swepson, Ben Laughlin, Mark Steketee, Max Bryant, Chris Lynn

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

 The pitch at the Docklands Stadium in Melbourne is an even one. Both batsmen and bowlers will find something here for themselves. Over the years, fast bowlers generally get some good purchase here in the initial overs. Spinners too have had a good record here and don’t go for many runs. 

The weather forecast at Melbourne for the day of the game is clear.
 

Venue Details

The Docklands Stadium in Melbourne isn’t exactly a high-scoring venue. The average score by the team batting first on the venue in the last few years has been around 150-160. The Renegades too chased down a target of 159 here a few days ago. Hence, the team batting first would have to target a total of around 165-175 to be in the driver’s seat.

Toss: To Bowl

The team winning the toss would look to bowl first as chasing teams have had a better record here in recent times.