ST vs BH Match Prediction Analysis
The Big Bash League heads to the nation’s capital as Manuka Oval plays host to a fascinating contest between the Sydney Thunder and the high-flying Brisbane Heat. Scheduled for a Monday afternoon start, this match offers a pure cricketing spectacle without the interference of dew, allowing the true nature of the Canberra surface to dictate play.
The Sydney Thunder enter this contest looking for immediate answers after a demoralizing loss to their cross-town rivals, the Sixers. While their squad boasts marquee names, the on-field execution was lacking in their previous outing, particularly when chasing a high total.
Conversely, the Brisbane Heat are currently walking on air after pulling off one of the most absurd victories in T20 history, chasing down 258 against the Perth Scorchers. They must be wary of complacency, as the switch from the Gabba to Manuka Oval requires a tactical adjustment.
Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat Team Preview & Squads
Sydney Thunder
David Warner returns to lead the side, bringing a wealth of experience and aggression that the Thunder desperately need at the top of the order. As captain, his primary responsibility will be to ensure the heads don’t drop after the recent loss.
The batting depth of the ST is currently under the microscope, specifically regarding their middle-order inconsistency. While they possess an explosive top order capable of capitalizing on the powerplay, the engine room often sputters when the field spreads
ST bowling front, the attack offers versatility but needs to tighten up after leaking nearly 200 runs against the Sixers. Reece Topley provides world-class left-arm pace, and Chris Green’s off-spin will be pivotal in controlling the middle overs.
In their last match, the Thunder were thoroughly outplayed by the Sydney Sixers, falling short by a significant 47-run margin. Chasing 199, their batting lineup crumbled to 151 all out in 19.1 overs, exposing a vulnerable lower order. It was a performance that highlighted the gap between their potential and their current reality, a gap they must close against Brisbane.
Sydney Thunder Squads
Sydney Thunder
David Warner (C), Wes Agar, Charlie Anderson, Tom Andrews, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (WK), Pat Cummins, Oliver Davies, Lockie Ferguson, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Aidan O’Connor, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, Shadab Khan, Reece Topley
Brisbane Heat
Nathan McSweeney leads a BH side that currently looks like the most dangerous batting unit in the competition. As a young captain, his challenge will be managing expectations after such a massive win.
BH batting depth is their crown jewel this season, evidenced by their ability to chase down 258 with balls to spare. Their middle-order acceleration is frightening for opposition bowlers, with players willing to take high risks for high rewards.
Defensively, the bowling attack relies heavily on their potent pace battery, led by Xavier Bartlett, to do the heavy lifting. The spin department is admittedly thin, which could be a liability at Manuka Oval if the track slows down.
In their previous outing, the Heat participated in a run-fest for the ages, successfully chasing a target of 258 against the Scorchers with 8 wickets in hand. Matt Renshaw was the destroyer-in-chief with a blistering 102 off 51 balls, while the team showed nerves of steel. It was a statement victory that signaled their intent to out-bat anyone in the league.
Brisbane Heat Squads
Brisbane Heat
Nathan McSweeney (C), Tom Alsop (WK), Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Patrick Dooley, Liam Haskett, Lachlan Hearne, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Colin Munro, Michael Neser, Oli Patterson, Jimmy Peirson (WK), Matt Renshaw, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth
Match Details | |
Match | Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat | Match Number 9 | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
Date | 22/12/2025 (Monday) |
Time | BDT 2:15 PM / PKT 1:15 PM / INR 1:45 PM |
Format | T20 |
Venue | Manuka Oval, Canberra |
Recent performance | Sydney Thunder – W W L L L Brisbane Heat – L L L L W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the ST vs BH Live Stream on Sports Live Hub(SLH) |
ST vs BH Outfield Report
Manuka Oval, Canberra
Manuka Oval is generally known as one of the fairest surfaces in Australia, often providing true bounce and carry for the batters. In T20 cricket, scores here tend to be competitive, often hovering around the 170-180 mark. The surface usually holds up well, but given the recent heavy traffic of matches, there might be a hint of assistance for the spinners later in the innings.
Weather conditions in Canberra for this December clash are expected to be warm and dry, typical of an Australian summer day. Since this is an afternoon start (2:15 PM local time equivalent), the “dew factor” which plagues so many night games will be non-existent. This ensures that the bowlers, particularly the spinners, will have a dry ball to grip throughout both innings.
The Powerplay strategy here is crucial; the boundaries at Manuka can be deceptively large square of the wicket but shorter straight. Fielding teams will look to protect the straight boundaries, while batters will try to exploit the true bounce to hit through the line.
Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
History heavily favors the visitors in this matchup, with the Brisbane Heat winning four of the last five encounters against the Sydney Thunder. Their dominance was punctuated in the most recent game where the Heat comfortably chased down the target, highlighting a psychological edge they carry into this fixture.
ST vs BH Prediction
Event | Sydney Thunder | Brisbane Heat |
Toss Winner | – | Brisbane Heat |
Player of the Match | – | Matt Renshaw |
Top Run Scorer | Sam Billings | Matt Renshaw |
Top Wicket Taker | Reece Topley | Xavier Bartlett |
Most Sixes | David Warner | Jack Wildermuth |
Predicted Score | 175+ | 185+ |
Win Probability | 48% | 52% |
According to cricket analysts Brisbane Heat have a 52% chance of Winning.
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. We encourage readers to review the points shared and draw their own conclusions.
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