Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat: The Defending Champions Perth Scorchers Will Be Gunning for Their Fifth Title

• Perth Scorchers lead the head-to-head record against Brisbane Heat by 13 wins to 7.
• The Scorchers have defeated Brisbane Heat in all of the last five encounters. 
• The Scorchers have won seven out of eight matches held at their home Optus Stadium in this season.

Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat Odds

Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat Prediction and Pick

Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat have faced each other 20 times in the Big Bash League, where the Scorchers have won 13 matches while the Sixers have won seven. The Scorchers have also outplayed Brisbane Heat in all of the previous five clashes between the two teams. They have a stronger side on paper and hold an even bigger advantage at home. 

We predict Perth Scorchers to win the final on Saturday.

Predicted XI 

Perth Scorchers: Cameron Bancroft, Stephen Eskinazi, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (wk), Ashton Turner (c), Nick Hobson, Cooper Connolly, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, David Payne, Matt Kelly 

Brisbane Heat: Sam Heazlett, Josh Brown, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Hain, Jimmy Peirson (c/wk), Max Bryant, Michael Neser, James Bazley, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann

Brisbane Heat Need to Pull off Something Special to Dethrone Perth Scorchers

The defending champions Perth Scorchers will be gunning for their fifth title when they go up against Brisbane Heat in the final of the Big Bash League 2022-23. The Scorchers have earned the rights to host the final at Optus Stadium on Saturday, February 4th. 

The Ashton Turner-led side has played like a true champion side despite facing several blows to personnel. They topped the group table with 11 wins out of 14 matches and then defeated the Sixers in Qualifier by seven wickets to book the final at home. 

Jason Behrendorff was excellent with the ball, picking 2 for 17 while David Payne bagged 3 for 33 as they restricted the Sixers to 151/8. Chasing the target, they lost 3 for 22 in four overs with Sean Abbott running through the top order. But Turner (84* off 47) and Cameron Bancroft (53* off 45) put on an unbroken 132-run stand to clinch the victory. 

Brisbane Heat have had a much tougher road to the final after finishing fifth on the table. They overcame Sydney Thunder by eight runs on DLS method in the Eliminator before defeating Melbourne Renegades by seven wickets in the Knockout. Brisbane then edged out Sydney Sixers by four wickets to book the ticket to the final. 

On a SCG pitch that had plenty for the bowlers, Matthew Kuhnemann picked 3 for 17 in four overs whereas Spencer Johnson bagged 3 for 28. Michael Neser chipped in with 2 for 28 as they restricted Sydney Sixers to 116/9. Chasing the target they were reduced to 56 for 5 before Max Bryant and Neser added 30 runs. Neser took it upon himself and smashed an unbeaten 48 off 32 to steer his side into the final.

Team News

Perth Scorchers have a formidable batting line-up, comprising Cameron Bancroft, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis and Ashton Turner. They have been in top form and are well versed with the Perth conditions. The bowling attack has Jason Behrendorff, Andrew Tye and David Payne in terrific form. Lance Morris will be unavailable for the final as he has flown to India but Matt Kelly should be fit. Jhye Richardson, who has been nursing an injury, could be back if fully recovered. 

Brisbane Heat had to make several changes to their line-up last game with four players leaving for the Test series in India. Sam Heazlett, Nathan McSweeney and Max Bryant came into the side. Josh Brown, Sam Hain and Jimmy Peirson will be key for Brisbane in the batting department at Perth. They have gone heavy on the bowling with four seamers in Michael Neser, Spencer Johnson, Xavier Bartlett and James Bazley. The left arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been excellent. 

Key Players 

Ashton Turner has made a massive impact for the Scorchers this season, bailing them out of tough situations on several occasions. He has scored 328 runs from 13 innings this season, averaging 41 at an excellent strike rate of 154. Turner has registered three fifties in the tournament and remains a key player in this fixture.  

Michael Neser is the leading wicket-taker for Brisbane Heat in the BBL 2022/23, having claimed 26 scalps at an economy of 8.33 while striking every 12.6 balls. Perth is a venue where new ball seamers get good assistance and he will be a key. Neser is coming off a player of the match performance, picking 2 for 28 and scoring 48* off 32 in the Challenger. 

How to Watch Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat

• What: Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat, Final, BBL 2022-23
• Where: Optus Stadium, Perth 
• When: February 4, 2023 / 3:30 AM EST 
• How to watch: Sony Sports Network/Sony LIV (India), SportsMax (Caribbean), Fox Sports & Channel 7 (Australia), Sky Sport NZ (New Zealand), SuperSport (South Africa), Willow TV (USA), Sky Sports Cricket (United Kingdom)