Big Bash 2022-23 match preview: Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2022/23 Big Bash

What's the match?

Brisbane Heat take on Sydney Thunder in match 19 of the 2022/23 Big Bash, the 12th edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 5.05pm local time (7.05am GMT) on Thursday, December 29.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played in Canberra at the Metricon Stadium.

Who's got the form?

Brisbane Heat are at the foot of the Big Bash table with just two points from four games and a net run rate of -1.196.

After beating Adelaide Strikers by six runs just before Christmas, the Heat were probably hoping their luck was turning around. However, on Tuesday, they were brought back down to earth with a bump by Sydney Thunder, who inflicted a 10-wicket defeat in Sydney after earlier restricting their opponents to 121 for 6.

Speaking of Thunder, that result represented their second win of the season (they beat Melbourne Stars by one wicket in their tournament opener before embarking on a three-match losing streak) and catapulted them up the table.

^{Alex Hales and Matthew Gilkes put on an unbeaten first-wicket stand when these two sides met on Tuesday [Jason McCawley/Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

Thunder's batters and Heat's bowlers will once again do battle.

In Sydney, Thunder drew first blood, with Alex Hales and Matthew Gilkes both scoring unbeaten half-centuries en route to a 10-wicket win. They chased down 122 inside 12 overs, with the former scoring 59 runs off 36 balls and Gilkes adding 56 runs (34 balls) to his two first-innings catches.

It was an expensive day for the usually reliable trio of Michael Neser, Mark Steketee, and Mitchell Swepson - all of whom conceded in excess of nine runs per over - and all three players will be hoping to deliver better performances this time round, particularly as Jimmy Peirson and Sam Billings are the only batters to score more than 100 runs this season.

If Neser can strike in the powerplay, it may just open up Thunder's batting line-up.

What's the weather forecast?

Mostly cloudy conditions, although some evening rain could disrupt procedings.

What is the team news?

James Bazley is set to return for Brisbane Heat after missing the 10-wicket defeat with a hamstring problem. Jimmy Peirson has come through a concussion check after being struck on the neck while Spencer Johnson remains in the squad - if selected, he would make his debut.

Sydney Thunder are unlikely to change a winning XI. Usman Qadir made his franchise debut against the Heat last time out, taking 1 for 19.

What are the squads?

Brisbane Heat: Xavier Bartlett, James Bazley, Sam Billings, Max Bryant, Sam Hain, Sam Heazlett, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Colin Munro, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Ross Whiteley, Jack Wildermuth, Spencer Johnson, Will Prestwidge, Josh Brown

Sydney Thunder: Zak Evans, Aaron Finch, Akeal Hosein, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Mackenzie Harvey, Nic Maddinson (c), Shaun Marsh, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Jack Prestwidge, Ruwantha Kellapotha, Marcus Harris, Martin Guptill, Corey Rocchiccioli, Peter Handscomb

*Squads are for the whole BBL and not specific to this match

What are the possible starting XIs?

Brisbane Heat: Max Bryant, Colin Munro, Matt Renshaw, Sam Billings, Jimmy Peirson, Ross Whiteley, James Bazley, Michael Neser, Mark Steketee, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Swepson

Sydney Thunder: Matthew Gilkes, Alex Hales, Rilee Rossouw, Oliver Davies, Daniel Sams, Alex Ross, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green, Gurinder Sandhu, Brendan Doggett, Usman Qadir

Michael Neser will be hoping to take some early wickets [Jason McCawley/Getty Images]

What are the odds?

Brisbane Heat are available at 13/10 while Sydney Thunder are at 8/11, making them the favourites to take the two points.

What's the prediction?

If Neser can take a few early wickets, Thunder may be vulnerable. However, given the result the last time these sides met and Heat's own struggles with the bat, Thunder should win this clash.

Are tickets available?

Tickets are available via Ticketek, with tickets starting from $15.

Where can I watch the game?

Sky Sports hold the UK rights for the BBL, with coverage split between Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix. This game is available on Sky Sports Mix.

Ball-by-ball radio commentary will also be available via BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and BBC Sounds for selected matches.

Fox Sports and Seven Network both have television rights in Australia while coverage will also be available via streaming service Kayo. Fox will show every game while 45 matches, including the knockout stages, will be shown free-to-air on Channel Seven.