Big Bash League (BBL 2018/19): Brisbane Heat vs. Sydney Thunder, Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - January 17th, 2019

After thirty-two thrilling and exciting matches in the Big Bash League 2018-19, the league table is nicely shaping up with as many as four teams fighting it out with four wins out of eight matches. While the Sydney Thunder is one of the four, Brisbane Heat have fluctuated between mediocre and outstanding.

The last time these two faced off against each other, the Thunder were out-batted by the Bash Brothers in a rain-curtailed match. This time the onus will be on new recruits Anton Devcich and Chris Jordan to deliver against the might of the Heat batting.

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Squads to choose from:

Brisbane Heat

Max Bryant, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Brendan Doggett, Sam Heazlett, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum, James Pattinson, James Peirson, Jack Prestwidge, Matt Renshaw, Alex Ross, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson

Sydney Thunder:

Fawad Ahmed, Jono Cook, Pat Cummins, Callum Ferguson, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Usman Khawaja, Jay Lenton, Nathan McAndrew, Arjun Nair, Kurtis Patterson, Sam Rainbird, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, Shane Watson, Anton Devcich, Chris Jordan

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Playing XI Updates:

Brisbane Heat:

Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw and Joe Burns are unavailable as they are part of the Cricket Australia XI that plays Sri Lanka on Thursday. Matt Renshaw should be ideally replaced by Sam Heazlett, who had a few forgetful outings earlier in the season. The bowling performed well against the Renegades and all eyes will be once again on youngsters Mujeeb and Bryant.

Possible XI: Bryant, McCullum, Lynn(C), Heazlett, Ross, Pierson(WK), Cutting, Lalor, Doggett, Mujeeb and Swepson.

Sydney Thunder:

In their last outing against the defending champions, Adelaide Strikers, the Thunder coped well without Buttler and Root while putting out a dominant display. Anton Devcich looked good during his stay at the crease but Thunder management will be hoping for more of the same if they are to trouble the Heat. The bowling has performed admirably with variety loaded throughout the line-up. Jason Sangha is also unavailable for the match which enables Ryan Gibson to make an appearance for the first time this season.

Possible XI: Devcich, Watson(C), Ferguson, Lenton(WK), Gibson, Sams, Arjun Nair, Green, Jordan, Sandhu and Fawad

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:

Wicket-keeper: Jay Lenton and Jimmy Pierson have done what has been asked of them in their brief stints at the crease. Both of them are able keepers with good pair of hands and choosing either of them wouldn't make much of a difference to the fantasy side in terms of credits or balance. With Jason Sangha unavailable, Lenton could be batting higher up the order which could see him nick the wicket-keeper spot instead of Pierson.

Batsmen: Two of the three Bash Brothers are safe picks for your teams with all three of them in fine form. Max Bryant has been providing blistering starts throughout the BBL and is only a couple of shots away from a season-defining innings. Shane Watson and Callum Ferguson are the only recognized top order batsmen available for the Thunder and should make it to your sides without any fuss.

All-rounders: Daniel Sams and Ben Cutting have been brilliant with bat, bowl and also in the field. Both of them along with new recruit Anton Devcich provide the complete package enabling fantasy players to gather points for the whole forty overs.

Bowlers: Mujeeb ur Rahman has been lethal up front and has troubled opposition batsmen constantly. His breathtaking spell against Michael Klinger was one to take note of and should be inserted into the fantasy side. Fawad Ahmed, Chris Jordan and Brendan Doggett are also viable options to go for considering their much-needed wicket-taking ability.

Captain: Anton Devcich stay at the crease was a brief one albeit an entertaining one. Some of his shots oozed class and his left arm spin just adds to his star value. He is the preferred choice for captain alongside regular candidates, Max Bryant, Shane Watson and Chris Lynn

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Jay Lenton(WK), Max Bryant, Chris Lynn, Shane Watson, Callum Ferguson, Ben Cutting, Daniel Sams, Anton Devcich, Fawad Ahmed, Brendon Doggett and Mujeeb ur Rahman. Captain: Anton Devcich

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Jay Lenton(WK), Brendon McCullum, Max Bryant, Shane Watson, Anton Devcich, Daniel Sams, Ben Cutting, Fawad Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Brendan Doggett. Captain: Max Bryant