In this article, we preview Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat, match 54 of the Big Bash League Season 10 to be played on 26 January. Perth Scorchers are currently in 4th place on the points table with five wins in nine matches played, while Brisbane Heat are one rung below them, with five wins in 10 games.
Match Preview: What to Expect
On 16 January, Perth Scorchers faced off against Sydney Sixers at Canberra. Batting first, Scorchers scored 163/7. In fact, they let their innings spiral out of control after a great opening stand of 76 runs in 7 overs between Jason Roy (21) and Liam Livingstone (67 from 38 balls, with 3 fours and 6 sixes). Colin Munro (34 off 32) was the only other batsman to make a meaningful contribution. Sixers reached the required target with 7 wickets to spare in 18.5 overs. Of the Scorchers’ bowlers, only Jason Behrendorff made an impact taking 1/19 from his four overs. Richardson and Fawad Ahmed shared the other two wickets.
On January 10, Brisbane Heat clashed with Sydney Sixers at Carrara. Batting first they were bowled out for 148. Opening the batting, skipper Chris Lynn scored 56 off 44 balls, with 7 fours and a six. But he did not have much support from the other batsmen, with only Max Bryant (10), Jimmy Pearson (16) and Lewis Gregory (26) managing to reach double figures. However, in a thrilling finish, Sixers reached the target off the last ball of the game, losing 7 wickets in the process. Mujeeb ur Rahman (2/16) and James Bazley (2/17) bowled impressively for Heat, while Jack Wildermuth (2/26) and Mark Steketee (1/40) were also among the wickets.
As ever, Heat will look to Chris Lynn (273 runs in 6 games at 45.50) and Max Bryant (243 runs in 10 games at 24.30) to lead their batting. Mark Steketee (18 wickets in 9 matches at an economy rate of 8.52) and Mujeeb ur Rahman (14 wickets in 8 matches at an economy rate of 6.27) will be expected to spearhead the bowling. For Scorchers, Colin Munro (271 runs in 9 games at 30.11) and Jason Roy (233 runs in 7 games at 38.83) are the most reliable batsmen. Jhye Richardson (19 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 6.54) and Andrew Tye (10 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 8.67) are their key bowlers.
Summary
Scorchers hold a 7-6 advantage in the head to head comparison between the sides. Heat last beat Scorchers in February 2019. There’s very little to choose between the sides in terms of form or ability, and the match could go down to the wire.
