Brisbane Heat finished fourth on the points table after the league stages of the Big Bash League 2020-21, and they will take on fifth place Adelaide Strikers in the Eliminator at the Gabba on Friday. The Heat managed to clinch a berth in the playoffs after two successive wins in their last two games, with skipper Chris Lynn leading the way with two fifties in the games. The side, which had been dismissed for 115 on two occasions in the league stages, have bounced back strongly and look in dangerous form ahead of the all-important clash against the Strikers.
Adelaide, on the other hand, got their campaign back on track when Alex Carey smashed a fine ton against the Heat in the league stages. They then went on to defeat Sydney Thunder, but they ended in fifth place courtesy of a loss to Thunder in the reverse leg of the clash. Their final league game, against Thunder, was shortened due to rain as the Strikers went down but not before ensuring they had sealed a top-five finish.
Team News
Both teams are unlikely to make changes to their XI for the Eliminator. The big question for the Heat, however, will be whether they keep X-factor sub, Jack Wildermuth in the XI, or the man he replaced, Xavier Bartlett. Adelaide, on the other hand, will have the services of Australian stars Travis Head and Michael Neser for the game.
Top Picks:
Chris Lynn (Brisbane Heat)
The Heat’s skipper has been leading the charge from the front and crossed 400 runs in the last game. The big-hitting opener has five fifties in the edition thus far, including two in the last two games.
Peter Siddle (Adelaide Strikers)
The fast bowler has plenty of experience and will be eager to add to his wickets tally in the upcoming game. He had picked up 3 for 13 when the two teams last met, and now has eight wickets in the last five games.
Probable playing XIs
Brisbane Heat:
Chris Lynn (c), Max Bryant, Marnus Labuschagne, Joe Denly, Joe Burns, Lewis Gregory, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Mark Steketee, Xavier Bartlett, Mitchell Swepson, Ben Laughlin
Adelaide Strikers:
Alex Carey (wk), Jake Weatherald, Phil Salt, Travis Head, Jonathan Wells, Ryan Gibson, Michael Neser, Daniel Worrall, Wes Agar, Liam O’Connor, Peter Siddle