BBL 2023-2024: Match 1, HEA vs STA Match Prediction – Who will win today’s BBL match between HEA and STA?
The latest season of the Big Bash League gets underway with last edition's runner-up Brisbane Heat taking on Melbourne Strikers at home.
The Gabba will host the first match of the Big Bash League 2023-24 season featuring Brisbane Heat (HEA) and Melbourne Stars (STA), on Thursday, December 7. Brisbane had an excellent campaign last season as the finished runner-up, losing by five wickets in the summit clash versus Perth Scorchers. The Jimmy Peirson-led side won six out of their 14 matches and finished fifth on the points table after the round-robin stage. They defeated Sydney Thunder, Melbourne Renegades, and Sydney Sixers in the knockout games to make it to the finals. This time, Usman Khawaja's men would look to finish higher on the table and keep less work for the knockouts.
Melbourne Stars had a forgettable campaign last season as they finished last on the points table with three wins and 11 losses from 14 games. To make matters worse, they will be without star recruit Harry Brook, who is currently playing in the ODI series between England and the West Indies and will also feature in the subsequent T20I series before making the trip to India to play five Test matches. Last year's captain Adam Zampa and Joe Clarke will also be missing. However, Glenn Maxwell is fit and raring to go and a lot of responsibility will rest on him and Marcus Stoinis.
BH vs MS Match Details
| Match | Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars, Big Bash League 2023 |
| Venue | The Gabba, Brisbane |
| Date & Time | Thursday, December 7, 13:45 PM (IST) |
| Live Broadcast and Streaming Details | Star Sports Network and Disney+Hotstar |
The Gabba Pitch Report and Conditions
The Gabba is generally a good pitch to bat on. The bounce is good and the ball carries well through to the wicketkeeper. The captain who wins the toss would have a temptation to bat first to get a fair idea of the wicket. Teams have also preferred chasing in the shortest format of the game as it isn't easy to defend totals, especially on high-scoring grounds.
Also see: HEA vs MS Live Score, 1st Match
BH vs MS Head-to-Head Record:
| Matches Played | 18 |
| Brisbane Heat Won | 11 |
| Melbourne Stars Won | 07 |
BH vs MS Predicted Playing XI:
Brisbane Heat (HEA)
Matt Renshaw, Usman Khawaja (C), Colin Munro, Marnus Labuschagne, Max Bryant, Sam Billings (WK), Jack Wildermuth, Michael Neser, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Swepson, Spencer Johnson
Melbourne Stars (STA)
Joe Burns, Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (C), Marcus Stoinis, Sam Harper (WK), Liam Dawson, Usama Mir, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Haris Rauf, Joel Paris
Probable Best Performers from HEA vs STA
Probable Best Batter: Glenn Maxwell
The charismatic batter was in sensational form during the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023. He became the first batter to score a double century while chasing in ODI cricket in a game against Afghanistan. If he gets going, Brisbane will be in for a tough time.
Also see: Most Runs in BBL 2023-24
Probable Best Bowler: Spencer Johnson
The left-arm seamer has grabbed eyeballs with his performances across various franchise leagues around the world. Johnson also made his debut in international cricket earlier this year against South Africa and he is rated very highly Down Under. All eyes will be on the performance of the 27-year-old during the campaign.
Today's Match Prediction: Brisbane Heat win the match
Check Here: HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction
Disclaimer: The 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.
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