STA vs HEA Dream11 Prediction, BBL 2024-25, Match 4: Melbourne vs Brisbane playing XI, fantasy team today's and squads

Match Preview

Melbourne Stars (STA) will take on the defending champions, Brisbane Heat (HEA) in the fourth match of the ongoing Big Bash League 2024-25. Melbourne’s iconic ‘Melbourne Cricket Ground’ will host this game on December 18, at 1:45 PM (IST). It will be a crucial game for both teams considering their campaign ahead in the tournament.

Melbourne Stars are coming off a 6-wicket defeat in the tournament opener against the Perth Scorchers (SCO). They have been enduring a miserable run of form in their last five BBL games. STA have won only one game while losing four in their last five fixtures. They will aim to win this match and get off the mark in the ongoing edition of the tournament.

On the other hand, the holders Brisbane Heat (HEA) will be playing their first match in the tournament. They clinched the BBL 2023-24 title earlier this year after defeating the Sydney Sixers (SIX) by 54 runs following a same-margin win against the Adelaide Strikers in the ‘challenger’ game. HEA will be eyeing winning this match and starting their campaign on a winning note. 

Match Details:

  
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STA vs HEA Head-to-Head in the Last 5 games

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STA vs HEA Pitch Report

Considering the nature of the deck in the last five T20 games played here, MCG has a balanced surface on which an equal battle between the bat and the ball could be seen. The average score here is 144, while the average first-innings score is also 144. However, the bowlers, especially pacers might get going here in the first half of the game. So, the toss-winning skipper will aim to bowl first and chase the target under batting-friendly conditions.  
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Dream 11: Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat Predicted XI 

Melbourne Stars (STA):

SB Harper (wk), HWR Cartwright, MP Stoinis (C), BJ Webster, Campbell Kellaway, TK Curran, Mark Steketee, Brody Couch, JM Clarke, AF Milne, and PM Siddle.

Brisbane Heat (HEA):

Jimmy Peirson (wk), Max Bryant, C Munro (C), TP Alsop, Matt Renshaw, PI Walter, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, SH Johnson, Mitchell Swepson, and Jack Wildermuth.
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Dream11 Top Picks for Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat

Marcus Stoinis:

Melbourn Stars’ veteran all-rounder Marcus Stoinis could be a crucial asset for his side both with bat and ball. One can confidently pick him in the ‘top picks’ of this game’s dream11 team.

Xavier Bartlett:

Brisbane Heat’s bowler Xavier Bartlett ended up being the leading wicket-taker in the Big Bash League 2023-24. He scalped 20 wickets in 11 games; he can also be selected as one of the ‘top picks’ in the fantasy team for this game. 
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Dream 11 Budget Picks for STA vs HEA

Sam Harper:

STA’s Sam Harper can play a vital role with the bat while batting at the top of the order and behind the wickets as well.

Michael Neser:

HEA’s Micahel Neser can also be selected as one of the ‘budget picks’ in the fantasy team. He had scalped 12 wickets with the ball in the tournament’s last edition.  
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Dream11 Players to avoid for Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat

Campbell Kellaway:

STA’s young middle-order batter Campbell Kellaway hasn’t been in an expected run of form with the bat in T20s since his debut in the format. He has scored only 83 runs in eight innings with a dismal batting average of 13.83.

Jack Wildermuth:

HEA’s all-rounder Jac Wildermuth can also be avoided from the dream11 team for this game; he hasn’t been in much action in the T20 format and also missed the last edition of the tournament. 
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Suggested playing No. 1 for STA vs HEA Dream11 Fantasy Cricket

Glenn Maxwell (C), Xavier Bartlett (VC), Sam Harper, Hilton Cartwright, M Bryant, Tom Fraser Rogers, Marcus Stoinis, Tom Curran, P Walter, Mitchell Swepson, and C Vidler.  

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Suggested playing No. 2 for STA vs HEA Dream11 Fantasy Cricket

Tom Curran (C), Marcus Stoinis (VC), Jimmy Pierson, Sam Harper, Hilton Cartwright, M Bryant, Tom Fraser Rogers, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Swepson, Xavier Bartlett, and C Vidler.