HEA vs STA Match Preview

The Brisbane Heat take on the Melbourne Stars at the Gabba on Thursday evening to kick off the 2023-24 BBL season. Last year’s tournament saw the Heat reach the final before being defeated by the Perth Scorchers. While the Melbourne Stars finished bottom of the table with only three victories. Due to international call-ups and injuries, the Brisbane Heat had to expand their squad throughout the season. But whoever they chose was able to step up and perform. Melbourne Stars will need to improve on their record against stronger teams after finishing eighth with two wins over teams in seventh and sixth.

HEA vs STA Match Details

Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars – 1st Match

Venue: The Gabba – Brisbane

Date & Time: 07th December 2023 at 01:45 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar

HEA vs STA Venue Stats

Avg 1st inn score	180
Avg 2nd inn score	177
Win% batting 1st	52
Win% batting 2nd	48

HEA vs STA Pitch Report

For this match, we can expect a typical early-season Gabba pitch in Brisbane. That means one with a lot of speed and a par score will most likely be over 175.

HEA vs STA Weather Report

In Brisbane, dry weather is the norm, and there is no chance of rain on Thursday evening at the Gabba. Throughout the game, the temperature will be around 26 degrees.

HEA vs STA Last Five Matches

HEA ( Brisbane Heat )	L W W W L
STA ( Melbourne Stars )	L W L L W

HEA vs STA Head-to-Head Stats

	Matches Played	HEA Won	STA Won	Tie	NR
Overall	18	11	7	0	0
Last 5	5	3	2	0	0

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

HEA vs STA Probable Playing XIs:

Brisbane Heat Probable Playing XIs

Josh Brown, Usman Khawaja (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Colin Munro, Sam Billings (wk), Paul Walter, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Michael Neser, Mitch Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann

Melbourne Stars Probable Playing XIs

Sam Harper (wk), Nick Larkin, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell (c), Hilton Cartwright, Tom Rogers, Liam Dawson, Corey Rocchiccioli, Brody Couch, Haris Rauf, Nathan Coulter-Nile

Topmost Picks for HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Brisbane Heat

• Colin Munro – The powerful New Zealand middle-order batter comes straight to this year’s tournament after two impressive innings for Northern Warriors in the Abu Dhabi T10 where he hit 36 not out and 44 not out.
• Matthew Kuhnemann – The 27 year old left-arm spinner enjoys bowling on the dry surfaces of Brisbane and has best BBL figures of 3/17.

Top Picks – Melbourne Stars

• Glenn Maxwell – with 2673 runs, the 35 year old is the fifth highest run scorer in BBL history. Having him available for the entire tournament will make a huge difference for the Stars.
• Haris Rauf – The all-format Pakistan international star has an excellent T20 record with 6x four wicket hauls and 1x five wicket haul.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for HEA vs STA Dream11 Team:

Sam Billings, Sam Harper, Tom Rogers, Usman Khawaja(VC), Colin Munro, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell(C), Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Michael Neser, Nathan Coulter-Nile

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for HEA vs STA Dream11 Team:

Sam Billings, Tom Rogers, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Marcus Stoinis(VC), Glenn Maxwell, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Michael Neser(C), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Haris Rauf

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Glenn Maxwell, Michael Neser

Vice-captain – Usman Khawaja, Marcus Stoinis

Wicketkeeper – Sam Billings

HEA vs STA Probable Winners:

The BBL is a fantastic tournament with some big-names stars, and this year’s group stage schedule has been reduced, so both teams will be aware that a poor start could quickly end their season. The Melbourne Stars appear to be much stronger with Glenn Maxwell in the lineup, but we believe the Brisbane Heat will win this season opener. Considering the team combination, Brisbane Heat is expected to win this match.