Heat v Strikers BBL betting predictions & free tips | December 22

Heat vs Strikers best bets

Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers match preview

The Brisbane Heat host their Big Bash League home opener this Sunday night, welcoming the Adelaide Strikers to the Gabba.

Brisbane Heat had a strong start to the tournament on Wednesday night, comfortably beating the Stars by eight wickets, with 11 balls to spare. Despite plenty of injuries in the lineup, the Heat attack kept the Stars to just 162, before Jimmy Peirson (72* off 56 balls) led the chase home. Other key performers included Xavier Bartlett (3/25 off four overs), Mitch Swepson (1/15 off four overs) and Max Bryant (36* off 22 balls).

Expectations are high for the Heat in BBL14, with top cricket bookmakers giving them the third-best odds to win the tournament at $6.

They are set to be boosted by the inclusion of Black Caps opening batsman Colin Munro. But Aussie fast bowling pair Spencer Johnson and Michael Neser remain sidelined, while Test stars Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne aren’t tipped to leave the squad.

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The Adelaide Strikers secured their first win of the season on Friday night, beating the Melbourne Stars by 15 runs. Despite setting an underwhelming 165 in the first innings, the Adelaide bowlers were excellent, consistently taking wickets and keeping the run rate down. Leg spinner Lloyd Pope was adjudged man of the match with 3/21 off four overs, while D’Arcy Short impressed in his return with 60 off 42 balls.

Powerful batsman Chris Lynn isn’t expected to return on Sunday due to injury, meaning the Strikers will likely remain unchanged.

Heat vs Strikers betting predictions

Playing at home, the Brisbane Heat enter as slight favourites in this clash at $1.87 with leading BBL bookamkers. They have the depth to cover the injuries in their fast-bowling ranks, while their spin options are excellent. The Strikers top order has failed to fire in either of their two games so far, so take the Heat to continue their perfect start to the tournament.

Playing in his first game of the season, expect Colin Munro to start with a bang at the top of the order for the Heat. The 37-year-old has plenty of T20 experience worldwide, while he scored 224 runs in just seven innings last season. At $3.75 with top Australian betting apps, back Munro to finish as the Heat’s top runscorer.

With a lack of sheer pace options in the Strikers squad, Henry Thornton has emerged as a critical option in the Adelaide bowling attack. He has been arguably their strongest bowler in the tournament so far, taking three wickets while going at just above six an over. Expected to bowl inside both powerplays, back Thornton to continue his great start to the BBL as the Strikers top bowler at $4 with Neds.

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