Big Bash League (BBL 2018/19): Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat: Match 42, Dream11 Today Match Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips

After a successful result against the defending champions, Adelaide Strikers, the Melbourne Stars are back at the MCG as they take on the Brisbane Heat. The Heat are languishing at the bottom of the table and are looking for the win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

With the Bash Brothers amongst the runs over the past few runs and the Stars firing in unison, this match is sure to deliver as far entertainment is concerned.

Squads to choose from:

Melbourne Stars:

Michael Beer, Jackson Bird, Scott Boland, Liam Bowe, Dwayne Bravo, Jackson Coleman, Travis Dean, Ben Dunk, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sandeep Lamichhane, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jonathan Merlo, Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa, Tom O'Donnell.

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

Playing XI Updates:

Melbourne Stars:

No changes are expected to the triumphant Stars side that has won their last two matches. Marcus Stoinis and Ben Dunk were superb in their previous match and will be counted upon once again. The bowling unit looks fairly settled with Bravo and Plunkett doing well.

Possible XI: Dunk, Stoinis, Handscomb (WK), Maxwell(C), Maddinson, Bravo, Plunkett, Gulbis, Zampa, O'Connell and Bird.

Brisbane Heat:

After a disheartening loss to the Sixers, Heat are pondering a few changes to their side. Lalor put in a very good performance and should keep his place alongside Brendan Doggett. Matt Renshaw could play this match with a serious dearth in batting. Mujeeb has been bowling hot and cold and should put in a telling performance for the Heat to get past the Stars.

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

Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:

Wicket-keeper: Peter Handscomb is the obvious choice for this slot with his blistering form in the BBL and in the recently concluded India ODI series. Jimmy Pierson's batting position makes it difficult for him to make much of an impact which leaves Handscomb as the only viable option.

Batsmen: Two of the top order from the Heat are a must in any fantasy side. All three of Lynn, McCullum and Bryant have done well and can be expected to perform well once again against the Stars. Nic Maddinson hasn't been quite effective so far since his return to competitive cricket. This match could be his chance of bursting back to form. Ben Dunk is also a handy option after a man-of-the-match performance in the previous game.

All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis and Ben Cutting should be the preferred all-rounders with both of them contributing well with bat and ball consistently. Dwayne Bravo could also slot in for Stoinis but with the Australian's recent form, it wouldn't be advisable.

Bowlers: Mujeeb ur Rahman, Liam Plunkett, Adam Zampa and Josh Lalor are the preferred set of bowlers to go ahead with. Mujeeb has been the standout bowler for the Heat and would be key to a few quick wickets at the start of the innings.

Captain: Chris Lynn and Marcus Stoinis have had seasons to remember with a few good outings with bat. Both of them are very good options along with the likes of Peter Handscomb and Max Bryant.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Peter Handscomb (WK), Ben Dunk, Nic Maddinson, Max Bryant, Chris Lynn, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Cutting, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Josh Lalor, Liam Plunkett and Adam Zampa. Captain: Chris Lynn

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Peter Handscomb (WK), Brendon McCullum, Max Bryant, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Cutting, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Liam Plunkett, Jackson Bird and Josh Lalor. Captain: Peter Handscomb

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