BBL 2020: Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat | Preview, probable XI, match prediction and live streaming details
The 2020/21 Big Bash League (BBL) continues on Monday as the Sydney Thunder face the Brisbane Heat at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.
Both the Sydney Thunder and the Brisbane Heat began their BBL campaign with a defeat. The two sides will know that anything other than a win on Monday could be a big blow to their confidence levels in the early stages of the tournament.
A number of T20 specialists will be on the Manuka Oval pitch, with the likes of Chris Lynn, Alex Hales and Usman Khawaja among those who are set to feature.
The Brisbane Heat have assembled a fairly youthful squad for this year's tournament. And although they have a number of talented players in their ranks, this may well prove to be a transitional season for them. Unless, of course, Chris Lynn finds his form soon.
Xavier Bartlett and Matthew Kuhnemann both impressed in the Heat's defeat to the Melbourne Stars, and they will again have a big role to play.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is also available once again for the Heat. The Afghanistan spinner had been in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19.
Explosive all-rounder Ben Cutting vowed to 'stick it to the Brisbane Heat', his former team, ahead of the game. Cutting was let go by the Heat in the off-season, and ended up joining the Sydney Thunder.
Another Thunder player who will be looking to make an impression is Usman Khawaja. The left-handed batsman only made 7 runs in the defeat to the Melbourne Stars, and its imperative for the Thunder that he finds form quickly.
Alex Hales and Thunder captain Callum Ferguson batted well together in their opening game, and will be keen to continue their form.
Click here to see the full Big bash fixture for 2020-21.
BBL 2020-21: Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat match details
Date: December 14, 2020 (Monday)
Time: 1:45 PM IST / 7:15 PM Local Time
Venue: Manuka Oval - Canberra
Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat weather report
It is expected to be another cloudy, yet clear evening in Canberra, with no possibility of any rain. The temperature will hover in the early 20s, making it a conducive evening for T20 cricket.
Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat pitch report
The Manuka Oval pitch has produced some entertaining contests so far, and Monday's game should be no different. The pitch has something in it for both batsmen and bowlers, and a lot will depend on the skills of the two teams more than anything.
Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat predicted XIs
Sydney Thunder: Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson, Baxter Holt (wk), Alex Ross, Ben Cutting, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Jonathan Cook, Tanveer Sangha
Brisbane Heat: Chris Lynn, Max Bryant, Dan Lawrence, Sam Heazlett, Tom Cooper, Jimmy Peirson (WK), Jack Wildermuth, Simon Milenko, Jack Wood, Ben Laughlin, Matthew Kuhnemann
Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat match prediction
This will be a hard-fought contest that neither team can afford to lose. Looking at the two squads, there are several gaps that need to be addressed. However, the Thunder have a more balanced team which should give them the edge over a youthful Heat side.
Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat TV and live streaming details
TV: Sony Sports Network
Live streaming: SonyLiv.