Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder Big Bash Tips: Heat under pressure again

• Go low on Heat runs

• Usman Qadir a 17/1 MoM shot

• Hales 3/1 for top Thunder

Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder
Thursday 29 December, 07:05
TV: Live on BT Sports

Team news

Heat captain Jimmy Peirson is a minor injury doubt after a concussion in the nets. He has been monitored and it would be a surprise if he wasn't passed fit.

All-rounder James Bazley has been returned to the squad after overcoming a hamstring injury.

Possible XI: Bryant, Munro, Renshaw, Billings, Peirson, Whiteley, Bazley, Neser, Kuhnemann, Steketee, Swepson

Thunder laid to rest the ghosts of 15 all out at the Showground by overcoming a tricky chase against Heat with dominance. Going after 122 they didn't lose a wicket and won with more than eight overs to spare.

Matthew Gilkes' 56 from 34 was a huge boost as he was coming under pressure for his place. Usman Qadir came in for the sacked Faz Farooqi and took one for 19 off four.

Probable XI: Gilkes, Hales, Rossouw, O Davies, Sams, Ross, Green, McAndrew, G Sandhu, Doggett, Usman

Pitch report

There have been only three scores of 160 or more at Carrara in the last nine Bash men's matches which have seem a full 20 overs available. Given Heat's batting struggles - they have managed more than eight an over once - it may be wise to play unders on the par line if they bat first.

How to play

Heat are 2.3611/8 with Thunder 1.774/5. That's a big gulf between two teams who have poor records. And the short-priced favourite was bowled out for only 15 a few games back. The market is influenced by the head-to-head dominance by Thunder on Tuesday.

In that game we advised a trade of Heat but they never got going. We'd only do so again if their bowlers, which are not too shabby with Michael Neser leading the way, get to bowl first on a potentially tricky track.

Tops value

Hales has been boosted to 3/1 by Sportsbook for top Thunder bat after winning on Tuesday. Colin Munro, who topped for Heat, has been boosted to 7/2.

Man of the match in that game was Thunder spinner Chris Green. He took two for 14. Usman was also dangerous and it may be worth a play on him for the match gong given clear spinn issues for Heat. He is 17/1.