BBL Match 19 preview: Heat v Stars betting tips & picks – 1/1/25

Heat vs Stars best bets

Heat vs Stars Big Bash League match 19 preview

The Melbourne Stars continue to chase their first win of BBL14 as they head up to Brisbane for a New Years Day clash with the Heat.

Brisbane Heat suffered their second straight loss at the SCG on Sunday night, as they fell to the Sydney Sixers by eight wickets with 23 balls remaining. In a disappointing batting display, the Heat set just 138 to win, which was comfortably chased down.

With the likes of Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Michael Neser missing from the side, Brisbane is seemingly lacking depth on both sides of the park. Scores of 132 and 138 in their last two games are concerning, but there is still plenty of quality across the lineup.

Similarly, the Stars have also struggled this season, losing all five of their games so far.

On Saturday night, they fell to the Thunder by 18 runs. Chasing 182, the Stars got off to a strong start thanks to Ben Duckett’s 67 off 49. However, once again they collapsed with regular wickets through the middle order, killing their momentum.

Sitting last on the ladder, the Stars are already facing the prospect of being eliminated from finals contention, making every game a must-win clash.

Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars predictions

Based off the Stars’ performances so far this tournament, it is no surprise to see the Heat are favourites for this clash. Despite the poor form of both sides, the Heat’s bowling lineup stands out due to its strong pace and spin attack. At home, back the Heat to get back to winning ways at $1.85 with top cricket bookies.

Despite their poor performance on Sunday night, Heat fast bowler Xavier Bartlett was a rare positive, taking 1/21 at an economy of just 6.63. As the top wicket taker of BBL13, Bartlett has had a slower start to this tournament but still leads the side in wickets. Bowling inside both powerplays and at the death, back Bartlett to lead the Brisbane bowlers at $3.75 with Marantelli Bet.

Since getting a golden duck in his opening game of the tournament, English opener Ben Duckett has been excellent for the Stars. He has scores of 68 and 67 in his last two knocks playing as the anchor in the innings. At $3.80 with leading Australian bookmakers, back Duckett to continue his form, putting up another 50 in this game.

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