BIG BASH: Our cricket tipster The Edge previews Thursday’s Big Bash game between Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars with a recommended BETDAQ bet.

MATCH OVERVIEW:

The Big Bash is back at the Carrara Oval for a later than usual start as the Brisbane Heat take on the Melbourne Stars. It’s a later than usual start time because the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder are in action earlier at Perth Stadium. This a big game for the Stars are they sit in mid table; it’s going to be a big race for the Playoffs this season as there doesn’t look to be much between a lot of sides. Brisbane Heat had been adrift at the bottom but if they could manage a win here they would be right back in it.

It’s fair to say these two aren’t the best sides in the tournament. Brisbane Heat look poor on paper, but they have managed two wins recently against the Sydney Sixers and Thunder. They seem to like chasing which makes sense given their bowling is a poor. Mujeeb has definitely helped in that department however, and he might be able to tie this Melbourne Stars middle order in knots today.

The Stars look very reliant on Maxwell at the moment. They have to ask (and expect) for more from Fletcher, Stoinis, Pooran and Dunk – although Pooran had a superb innings in defeat again Sydney Sixers. That game might be a bit of a worry considering the Sixers were able to chase down the 193 from The Stars. I expect a very close game between two average sides.

WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:

As mentioned above, we have had 193/5 chased down successfully here so I would expect good batting conditions. Since then we’ve had three games with the first inning scores reading; 168/6 (chased down), 166/6 from 17 overs (chasing team won on Duckworth Lewis) and 150/4 (chased in 18 overs with only three wickets down). Chasing 150 was a stroll in the park, so I’d be aiming for 180+ if batting first and even then I wouldn’t be fully comfortable defending. It’s definitely a ground that I’d want to bowl first on.

RECOMMENDED BET:

I’m not a big fan of Brisbane Heat as I feel they have a lot of issues, but I’m happy to have a small bet on them today at the odds. The main reason is they are trading 2.24 on BETDAQ Betting Exchange and I feel that there shouldn’t be that big difference in odds between the sides here. Melbourne Stars are a very average side who have had some very poor batting and bowling performances along with some heavy defeats. This is a bet purely from a value point of view, as I would have this game 50/50 and the value is with the Heat in what could be a very low quality game with plenty of errors.

The Edge Says:
One point win Brisbane Heat to beat Melbourne Stars at 2.24 with the BETDAQ Exchange.

View the market here -> http://bit.ly/BDQHeaSta

IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:

As I said above, I’d expect a game with a lot of errors here. It’s a good ground for batting and while neither side are exceptionally good in the batting department – they are stronger there than with the ball so I’d expect the bat to dominate the ball. I picked the Heat for my recommended bet based on value; however from an in-running trading point of view the chasing team definitely has an advantage here looking at the ground stats.

I wouldn’t fully rush in to get on the chasing team early however as we might see a big enough score in the first innings. I would assess conditions and get on the chasing team as the game progresses. From a play point of view, Mujeeb can go well for the Heat and he’s the only bowler I’d be happy to support. I’d be keen to be against the Stars top order as they have looked out of form – however Maxwell should go very well at this ground, as can Chris Lynn for the Heat.

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