HEA vs STA Big Bash League Match Preview:

The Brisbane Heat are set to face the Melbourne Stars in the twentieth match of Men’s BBL, 2025, on Friday, 2nd January. The Heat heads into this game after a 7-wicket drubbing against the Adelaide Strikers. They were bowled out at only 121, which is below par total at Adelaide Oval. Now, they are eyeing a return to winning form.

On the other hand, STA has been in splendid form, winning all four matches. They won the last match against the Sydney Thunder by 9 wickets. They successfully chased down a total of 128 runs on the back of Joe Clarke’s performance. Now, they will look to maintain their winning streak in the upcoming matches.

HEA vs STA Recent Performance:

HEA vs STA Big Bash League  Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: Big Bash League 
• Match: HEA vs STA Match 20
• Date: 2 Jan. 2026
• Match Start Time: 1:45 PM IST
• Stadium/Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane, Australia
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: JioHotstar.

HEA vs STA Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

HEA vs STA Pitch & Weather Report:

Some showers are possible in Brisbane's Gabba area in the early afternoon. The temperature will hover around 18.0°C. Based on previous stats, the average score at this venue ranges between 156 and 169 runs. The pitch offers a little assistance to pacers.

The Gabba, Brisbane Stats: 

Sydney Cricket Ground has been a terrific batting surface with even bounce and carry. However, pacers get a little assistance at the start of the match. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first will be a wise decision on this surface.      

HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction Playing 11

Brisbane Heat (HEA) Probable 11:

Colin Munro, Jack Wildermuth, Matt Renshaw, Lachlan Hearne, Max Bryant, Hugh Weibgen, Jimmy Peirson (WK), Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Tom Balkin, Ollie Patterson

Melbourne Stars (STA) Probable 11:

Sam Harper (WK), Joe Clarke, Campbell Kellaway, Tom Fraser Rogers, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle

HEA vs STA- Top Picks from HEA

HEA vs STA- Top Picks from STA

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

• Jack Wildermuth (HEA) has been very impressive this season. He has managed to score 130 runs and claimed 8 wickets.
• Matt Renshaw (HEA) has scored 202 runs so far with an average of 40.40. He is a must-own pick for this match.
• Marcus Stoinis (STA) has been lethal with the ball and bat. He has scored 94 runs and claimed 7 wickets in this tournament.
• Sam Harper (STA) is in splendid form for STA. He is the leading run scorer for STA in this tournament.

HEA vs STA Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

HEA vs STA Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

HEA vs STA Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

STA is expected to win this match. The STA has won four games in a row and is at the top of the point table. Additionally, Sam Harper’s excellent form is also a good sign for them.

HEA vs STA Match 20 FAQ

Who is likely to win the HEA vs STA match today?

Melbourne Stars (HEA) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

Melbourne Stars

Who are the top fantasy picks for the HEA vs STA Dream11 team?

Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Jack Wildermuth, Sam Harper, Tom Curran and Max Bryant

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is balanced, and we can expect an average score range between 156 and 169 runs.

Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars, in Match 20 of the BBL 2025-26 season, will meet at The Gabba, Brisbane, on January 2.

The Brisbane Heat have had a mixed season so far, as they have been able to win two out of their five matches. They are currently placed fifth on the points table. Coming off a loss in the previous game, the Heat will be keen to get back to winning ways, especially at home.

The Melbourne Stars, however, have been the best team this season. They have won all their four matches and are currently placed at the top of the points table. They have performed quite well in all departments of the game, including batting as well as bowling, and will hope to extend their winning streak.

HEA vs STA: Head-to-Head Record (T20s)

• Matches Played: 21
  
• Brisbane Heat Won: 13
  
• Melbourne Stars Won: 8
  
• Tied: 0
  
• No Result: 0
  

HEA vs STA: Pitch Report 

The Gabba usually offers a good contest between bat and ball. Batting becomes easier as the match goes on, which makes chasing a preferred option after winning the toss. A score of around 180 or more is considered competitive at this venue.

See Also: SA20 2025-26 Match 10: PR vs MICT head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

HEA vs STA: Predicted Playing XIs

Brisbane Heat (HEA):

Colin Munro, Jack Wildermuth, Lachlan Hearne, Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Hugh Weibgen, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Xavier Bartlett (c), Matthew Kuhnemann, Thomas Balkin, Ollie Patterson

Melbourne Stars (STA):

Joe Clarke, Sam Harper (wk), Campbell Kellaway, Thomas Fraser Rogers, Marcus Stoinis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle

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

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 vs STA Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

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

Also Read: BCCI to Discuss White-Ball Future with Rohit Sharma; Possible Appointment of New Captain on the Agenda:Report – Cricket Winner

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.