Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Predictions - Heat backed to win BBL opener

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 06 Dec 2023

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Ralph Staniforth 06 Dec 2023

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Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars predictions for Thursday’s Big Bash match (10:15 SAST)
Maxwell has been in superb form for Australia
Can the Heat continue their form from last season?

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Brisbane Heat were the runners up in the BBL last season (Getty images)

Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Preview

The Heat are favourites at home after reaching the BBL final last season. The Stars on the other hand finished bottom of the table. I’m backing a home win.

Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Preview
Head to Head
Brisbane Heat Form
Brisbane Heat Injuries & Team News
Melbourne Stars Form
Melbourne Stars Injuries & Team News

Brisbane Heat have won their last 2 matches against Melbourne Stars.
Brisbane Heat reached the final of the BBL last season.
Melbourne Stars lost 11 of their last 14 matches.
Melbourne Stars’ Glenn Maxwell has been in superb ODI form.

Head to Head

The Brisbane Heat beat the Melbourne Stars twice last season. The last victory came by four runs.

Brisbane Heat Form

The Brisbane Heat were the surprise package last season as they ended the season as runners-up. The Heat lost narrowly in the final to Perth Scorchers.

That, however, does not tell the full story. The Brisbane outfit were down near the bottom for much of the season, but a late run of form saw them just qualify for the playoffs.

That form carried over through the playoffs, winning two qualifiers against more fancied sides before losing the final to the Scorchers.

Brisbane Heat Injuries & Team News

The Heat once again have a solid squad without any huge names. Marnus Labuschagne, Colin Munro, Matt Renshaw and Sam Billings are likely to be key figures. However, none of them will be available for the full season.

Melbourne Stars Form

The Melbourne Stars are generally very competitive in the Big Bash but endured one of their worst seasons last time out. They finished bottom, winning just three of their 14 games.

The Stars will be looking for a vast improvement this season as they certainly have the squad to challenge. Some international players including Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis may be used sparingly at the start after their recent schedule.

Melbourne Stars Injuries & Team News

The Stars have a strong squad and should challenge near the top of the table. Much depends on how many games the international stars are available for.

Verdict

Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars

I am backing the Brisbane Heat to come out on top in the BBL opener.

Brisbane Heat Win

Result

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