Melbourne Renegades vs. Brisbane Heat – Big Bash League, Thursday, January 6, 2022

Just three points separate the sixth-place Renegades and the fifth-place Heat as the two sides prepare to do battle in the Big Bash League on Thursday, January 6.

Both teams have lost five of their eight matches this season. However, Brisbane is three points better off after the Gades’ New Year’s Day clash with the Sixers was abandoned due to rain.

Who will come out on top at GMHBA Stadium? After discussing the odds and analyzing the teams, I will share my Melbourne Renegades vs. Brisbane Heat prediction and betting pick.

As the odds suggest, the cricket betting sites can’t seem to separate these two sides. With very little between them in the standings, the bookmakers believe this clash will go down to the wire.

On December 13, Brisbane beat the Renegades by five wickets with 19 balls to spare. But a lot has changed since then. It goes without saying that David Saker’s men will be eager to gain their revenge this time around.

Let’s take a closer look at the teams before settling on a prediction for Melbourne Renegades vs. Brisbane Heat.

The Renegades picked up only their second win of the season last time out, beating the Melbourne Stars by five wickets. Granted, the Stars were forced to field a weakened team. But the Gades still had to get the job done.

Thanks to some impressive bowling from Nic Maddinson (3-20), Kane Richardson (3-24), and Reece Topley (3-27), the Renegades dismissed the Stars for just 126 runs. In reply, Aaron Finch smashed a half-century to get his side over the line.

Saker’s men won their opening match of the campaign before suffering five consecutive defeats. Needless to say, Monday’s victory will have instilled some much-needed confidence in the team.

As a result of their win over the Stars, the Renegades now find themselves just three points outside the top five. A big win on Thursday could lift them into the finals spots – and that is a massive incentive for the team.

It wouldn’t be unfair to say that Brisbane has been one of the most inconsistent teams in the Big Bash League this season. In fact, they have yet to register back-to-back wins.

Following a couple of losses at the beginning of the campaign, the Heat beat the Gades before losing to the Sydney Thunder. They returned to winning ways soon after, though, crushing the Adelaide Strikers by 39 runs.

However, the good times didn’t last long. Wade Seccombe’s men suffered two successive defeats after Christmas, falling to the Stars and the Sixers.

Taking wickets hasn’t been a problem for the Queenslanders this season. Along with Bartlett, James Bazley and Mark Steketee have both claimed 10+ scalps. Still, the batters have let the team down.

Sam Heazlett (230) and Ben Duckett (218) have collected the bulk of Brisbane’s runs, while Chris Lynn – the BBL’s all-time leading run-scorer – has managed to record just 154 runs across eight innings.

With Lynn sitting on a measly average of 19.25, it is hardly surprising that Brisbane is struggling at the moment. Yes, Seccombe’s men beat Hobart last time out. But they suffered three losses in four matches before that.

On the flip side, the Renegades will be brimming with belief after seeing off their arch-rivals on Monday. Following Finch’s impressive 50, I can see the Gades edging the Heat on Thursday.

Don’t get me wrong, I expect the teams to play out a close match. But I’m confident that Saker’s men will secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

I’m backing Finch and co. to seal successive victories on Thursday. If guys like Sam Harper and Mackenzie Harvey can assist Finch, the Gades’ batting line-up could blow Brisbane away.

The Renegades’ bowlers have improved recently, too. With Richardson and Topley steaming in for Saker’s side, they have the potential to cause plenty of damage with the ball.