Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers Prediction: Heat's two stars rejoining from Test series

Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers are going head to head in the 32nd Match of the Big Bash League at The Gabba, Australia on 10 Jan 2024. Scorchers have won the last five games against the Heat in the League so far. Who will win this game of cricket?

Brisbane Heat has emerged as the standout team in the ongoing season, securing six victories in eight matches, and maintaining an unbeaten record with two matches abandoned. The inclusion of Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne for the upcoming match presents a selection dilemma for the team, especially considering their impactful performance in the season opener against the Melbourne Stars. The upcoming clashes against the reigning champions Scorchers hold significant importance, potentially determining the top spot and the privilege of hosting the Qualifier final on January 19.

Captain Colin Munro has been the most successful batter for the team this season, accumulating 222 runs in 6 innings at an impressive average of 44.40 and a strike rate of 144.15. The team also relies on Nathan McSweeney (142 runs in 5 innings at an average of 35.50 and a strike rate of 111) to contribute valuable runs in the middle order.

In the bowling department, Brisbane boasts two highly reliable wicket-takers in Xavier Bartlett (13 wickets in 6 innings this season at an economy of 7.47) and Paul Walter (10 wickets in 6 innings at 7.94).

Usman Khawaja, Colin Munro (c), Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Sam Billings (wk), Paul Walter, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann

Perth Scorchers have had an impressive season so far, securing five wins and suffering just one loss. Their recent 7-wicket triumph against Sydney Thunder, where they successfully chased down a target of 138 with five balls to spare, showcases their strong form.

A standout performer with the bat for Perth Scorchers this season has been Aaron Hardie, amassing 273 runs in 7 innings at an impressive average of 54.60 and a strike rate of 134. Another noteworthy batter is Josh Inglis, the hard-hitting wicket-keeper, who has played a crucial role in Perth's success, accumulating 175 runs in 6 innings at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 133.5.

Turning to the bowling department, the duo of Lance Morris and Jason Behrendorff has been exceptional, each claiming 9 wickets. Additionally, the reliable Andrew Tye has contributed significantly with 7 wickets in 6 innings at an economy rate of 8.47. With these formidable bowlers, Perth Scorchers possess one of the most potent bowling attacks in the competition.

Zak Crawley, Sam Whiteman, Aaron Hardie (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Laurie Evans, Cooper Connolly, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Hamish McKenzie, Lance Morris

Perth Scorchers boast a commendable 14-7 head-to-head record against Brisbane Heat. Furthermore, Brisbane has been unable to clinch a win in their last five encounters with Perth. Despite Brisbane's current position as table-toppers and the advantage of playing at home, we predict that Perth will extend their winning streak, primarily due to their stronger bowling attack.