Popular franchise Melbourne Stars (STA) will take on Brisbane Heat (HEA) in Match 4 of the ongoing BBL 2024-25 (Big Bash League) season, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, on Wednesday, December 18. The upcoming game will be the very first of the season for the Brisbane-based team.
The Marcus Stoinis-led Stars played the season opener against Perth Scorchers and suffered a six-wicket defeat. Opting to bat first, Stars were restricted to 146/9 in their allotted 20 overs, with Stoinis and Tom Curran scoring 37 runs each. In the run chase, the talented Cooper Connolly showcased his batting brilliance and played a stellar knock of 64 runs off just 51 balls, to take his side over the line. During his innings, he stitched an impactful partnership with Ashton Turner and made sure the team got the valuable two points.
In the previous edition of the tournament, Brisbane Heat had an impressive campaign as they lifted their second BBL title after a decade-long wait. Heat will take in a similar confidence in the upcoming season and look to make an instant impact in the upcoming matches ahead.
STA vs HEA Match Details
| Particulars | Details |
| Match | Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat, Match 4, BBL |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
| Date & Time | Wednesday, December 18, 1:45 PM IST |
| Live Broadcast and Streaming Details | Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar (app and website) |
Melbourne Cricket Ground Pitch Report
The track at the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground is known for giving both batters and bowlers a fair chance. Hence it can be called as sporting in nature. Pacers will be effective with the new ball, while as the match progresses, batters will stand a fair chance to score runs in the middle overs. Besides, the venue is also challenging due to its large boundary dimensions, often making boundary scoring more difficult and requiring batters to rely on singles and doubles.
Also Check: BBL 2024-25 Schedule
STA vs HEA Head-To-Head Records
| Matches Played | 19 |
| Won by Melbourne Stars | 07 |
| Won by Brisbane Heat | 12 |
| Tied | 00 |
| No Result | 00 |
| First-ever Fixture | 20 December, 2011 |
| Most-recent Fixture | 07 December, 2023 |
Probable Predicted XIs for STA vs HEA
Melbourne Stars (STA):
Thomas Fraser Rogers, Joe Clarke, Sam Harper (wk), Marcus Stoinis (c), Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, Tom Curran, Hamish McKenzie, Adam Milne, Brody Couch, Peter Siddle.
Brisbane Heat (HEA):
Colin Munro (c), Jimmy Peirson (wk), Matt Renshaw, Paul Walter, Jack Wildermuth, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Swepson, Jack Wood, Daniel Drew, Tom Whitney
Probable Top Performers from STA vs HEA
Probable Best Batter: Marcus Stoinis
Melbourne Stars skipper Marcus Stoinis could be the best batter in the game against Brisbane Heat. The all-rounder looked good in the last game against Perth but unfortunately couldn’t help his side go over the line. The strong right-hander will once again walk in with the same momentum and dispatch the balls all over the ground.
Probable Best Bowler: Xavier Bartlett
Xavier Bartlett of Brisbane Heat could be the best bowler in the upcoming game against Melbourne Stars. In the previous edition, the pacer was the highest wicket-taker with 20 wickets in his 11 games, Bartlett’s spell could be really useful for the defending champions.
Also Check: BBL 2024-25 Batting and Bowling Stats
Today’s Match Prediction: Team Batting First to win the match
Scenario 1
Melbourne Stars win the toss and opt to bat first
PP Score: 30-40
STA: 150-160
Melbourne Stars to win the match
Scenario 2
Brisbane Heat win the toss and opt to bat first
PP Score: 40-50
HEA: 160-170
Brisbane Heat to win the match
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
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