WBBL08 match preview: Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat

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 Weber BBL

What's the match?

Sydney Thunder take on Brisbane Heat in match 29 of the WBBL; the eighth edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 3.30pm local time (4.30am BST) on Friday, November 4.

Where is the match being played?

The Blundstone Arena in Hobart is set to stage this match.

Who's got the form?

Sydney Thunder will be disappointed with their tournament so far, having one won one out of eight games.

However, they can take some positives from their 15-run defeat to Sydney Sixers last time out, particularly their middle order with Rachael Haynes and Chloe Tryon finding some form. Both have been short on runs this season but with Phoebe Litchfield playing well at the top, they now look a more complete batting line-up.

Thunder will also be encouraged by the return of Hannah Darlington to the side after injury. She scored a quickfire 21 off 9 balls and took a wicket, indicating she is back to full fitness. Lauren Smith is on form with the ball, having taken 5 for 17 earlier in the tournament, but the rest of the attack needs to step up if they are to limit runs in the middle overs.

Brisbane Heat started the tournament well, winning four of their first five games, but have since lost two in a row. They remain in a good position on eight points and will have confidence to bounce back given their early success.

Georgia Redmayne is the tournament's leading run scorer and Georgia Voll is in fourth. They will be encouraged by Danni Wyatt's return to form at the top of the order.

Jess Jonassen played a valuable role in Brisbane's early success, taking 13 wickets with an economy of 6.88 this year. She has been well supported by Amelia Kerr, who has operated with an impressive economy of 6.79 with 10 wickets. Despite losing the last two games, Brisbane Heat remain a team in-form and will be confident going into this encounter. 

^{Amelia Kerr (centre) impressed when these two sides met earlier in the tournament [Chris Hyde/Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

The last time these two teams met was earlier in the tournament when the Heat won by three runs (DLS method). Litchfield scored an impressive half-century in a losing cause that saw Amelia Kerr awarded the player of the match award for 1 for 20 and scoring an unbeaten 22 off 15.

An exciting match-up will be between Litchfield and the Heat opening bowlers, who had no answers to the 19-year old's early onslaught last month.

Lea Tahuhu ripped through Brisbane's middle order last time. The likes of Voll and Laura Harris may approach her with caution so as not to be undone cheaply.

It will be interesting to see how Tryon matches up to Jonassen in the middle overs. The South African did not play in the last match but has found some form recently.

What's the weather forecast?

The weather is forecasted to be sunny with temperatures around 17 degrees Celsius.

What is the team news?

Zoe Cooke remains injured for Brisbane Heat.

^{Hannah Darlington is back in action for Sydney Thunder [Mark Evans/Getty Images]}

What are the squads?

Sydney Thunder: Samantha Bates, Hannah Darlington, Jess Davidson, Rachael Haynes, Phoebe Litchfield, Olivia Porter, Lauren Smith, Tahlia Wilson, Tammy Beaumont, Corinne Hall, Anika Learoyd, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Chloe Tryon, Amy Jones, Belinda Vakarewa, Lea Tahuhu (overseas replacement signing), Saskia Horley (local replacement)

Brisbane Heat: Jess Jonassen, Zoe Cooke (injured, replaced by Lucy Hamilton), Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Laura Harris, Mikayla Hinkley, Ellie Johnston, Amelia Kerr, Charli Knott, Grace Parsons, Georgia Redmayne, Courtney Sippel, Georgia Voll, Pooja Vastrakar, Danni Wyatt, Jess Kerr

What are the possible starting XIs?

Sydney Thunder: Tammy Beaumont, Phoebe Litchfield, Rachael Haynes, Amy Jones, Tahlia Wilson, Anika Learoyd, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Hannah Darlington, Lauren Smith, Belinda Vakarewa, Sam Bates

Brisbane Heat: Grace Harris, Georgia Redmayne, Danni Wyatt, Georgia Voll, Amelia Kerr, Laura Harris, Charli Knott, Jess Jonassen, Pooja Vastrakar, Nicola Hancock, Courtney Sippel

What are the odds?

Brisbane Heat are favourites to win at 8/15. The bookies have Sydney Thunder to win at 6/4.

What's the prediction?

Brisbane Heat should win this match. They have been in good form this year and are likely to bounce back from recent defeats.

Are tickets available?

Yes. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults and free for children (under 15 years) and can be purchased on Ticketek.

Where can I watch the game?

Sky Sports holds the UK rights for the WBBL. This game will not be shown on Sky Sports Cricket or Sky Sports Main Event.

In Australia, fans will be able to watch all 59 matches in the WBBL live and free on either the Seven Network or cricket.com.au

A total of 24 games will be televised on free-to-air on Seven and simulcast on Foxtel and Kayo, while the remaining 35 games will be shown on Foxtel and Kayo Sports and also live-streamed for free on cricket.com.au.