Big Bash League 2021-22: Match 51, Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat are set to lock horns in Match No.51 of the 2021-22 BBL on Sunday, January 16 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Stars, led by Glenn Maxwell, are placed sixth in the points table and desperately need a victory to have any chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

Their net run rate of -0.939 isn’t amongst the best either. The Heat, on the other hand, need a miracle to make it to the next stage.  After 12 COVID-19 positive cases emerged in their camps, they have lost three games in a row. Not much has gone right for them in the ongoing edition of the league.

Match Details

Match – Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat – Match 51

Venue – Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Time – 01:45 PM IST, 08:15 AM GMT

Where to watch live – Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV

Pitch Report 

The pitch in Melbourne hasn’t been a belter for batting by any means. Batters have found it challenging to get runs on the surface. Rotating the strike will be key for run-scoring. The deck has also helped the chasing teams to a large extent.

Probable XIs

Melbourne Stars

Marcus Stoinis, Joe Clarke (wk), Glenn Maxwell (c), Beau Webster, Hilton Cartwright, Joe Burns, Brody Couch, Ahmed Daniyal, Clint Hinchliffe, Sam Rainbird, Adam Zampa

Brisbane Heat

Chris Lynn (c), Nathan McSweeney, Lachlan Pfeffer (wk), Ben Duckett, Sam Heazlett, Jake Lehmann, Xavier Bartlett, Will Prestwidge, Matthew Kuhnemann, Liam Guthrie, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat Head-to-Head

Overall

Matches- 15, Melbourne Stars –6, Brisbane Heat – 9, N/R- 0

In Melbourne

Matches- 5, Melbourne Stars – 1, Brisbane Heat – 4, N/R- 0

Probable top performers

Glenn Maxwell – Melbourne Stars

Glenn Maxwell has been a key member of the Stars’ lineup for quite a few seasons. He has played some decent knocks even this time around, but he hasn’t been able to show a lot of consistency. The Victorian has to put his A-game forward if the Stars wish to get themselves into the top four.

Adam Zampa – Melbourne Stars

Adam Zampa has been a genuine wicket-taker for Australia and he has replicated similar performances even for the Stars. Although he hasn’t taken a whole lot of wickets this season, he can be expected to bowl a match-winning spell in the upcoming fixture against the Heat.

Today’s match prediction: Melbourne Stars to win.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.