T20 Big Bash tips, odds & bonus offers for Heat vs. Thunder

THE Brisbane Heat have endured mixed fortunes in their opening two games of BBL07.

After a strong win over the Melbourne Stars first up, Daniel Vettori’s charges were done in by an on-song Melbourne Renegades side at the Docklands on Saturday.

The good news for the Queensland franchise is the likely return of Chris Lynn, who is expected to get the green light after missing the opening week of the season through injury.

He will add some serious firepower to a side that managed only 132 from 20 overs against the ‘Gades.

The Sydney Thunder were up and about after their thrilling over the Sixers on opening night, but they have since come crashing back to earth.

The Green Machine capitulated against an impressive Adelaide Strikers bowling attack on Friday, crashing out for only 110 to lose by 53 runs.

Perhaps the only positive for the Thunder was Kurt Patterson’s valiant 48 at the top of the order before falling to Billy Stanlake in the 13th over.

Chris Lynn odds and specials

Man of the match	–	+600	+550
Top Heat runscorer	+250	+175	+240
To score 50	+225	+250	–
To hit a six	-200	-188.68	–

It is impossible to overestimate the impact Lynn can have on the Heat’s season.

Simply put, he is the best hitter of a cricket ball going around right now.

One glance at his stats from the 2016/17 Big Bash League season should tell you all you need to know.

If only five appearances, the stocky Queenslander smashed 309 runs at 154.50 and a strike rate of 177.58.

That included 26 sixes and 17 fours – and yes, those figures are the right way around.

The only question is whether he will be a little rusty after so many months out of top-flight cricket.

That said, Brisbane will be just fine if Lynn can produce even a fraction of what he did last year.

Heat vs. Thunder BBL predictions

The Heat have beaten one of the title favourites and lost out to another.

The Thunder downed their crosstown rivals in the Sydney Smash, but they were utterly outclassed by a Strikers side that few pundits had pegged for a genuine finals push this term.

That is the difference between these two teams.

If Lynn suits up as expected, it is hard to see Shane Watson and the Thunder matching them at the Gabba.

Brisbane Heat to win – -149.25 at William Hill