Match: Brisbane Heat v Sydney Sixers, semi-final
Date: 25 January, Wednesday
Time: 4:40pm SGT/2:10pm IST/8:40am GMT
Competition: Big Bash League 2016/17
Venue: Brisbane Cricket Ground
TV Channel: Star Cricket will provide live TV coverage in Singapore.
Live streaming: Hotstar, Sky Go
Overview
Brisbane Heat fell a run short of a 199-run target in their final group game against Melbourne Renegades and narrowly missed out on the top-spot finish. However, they will be happy to play their semi-final at home, where a sea of supporters is expected to cheer for them.
The Heat have lost in-form Chris Lynn to injury but the presence of Brendon McCullum, who is fifth on the top-scorers list with 277 runs so far this season, should boost their confidence. The former New Zealand captain is known for his pyrotechnics at the top and his ability to game the game away from opposition in big matches.
McCullum can find able support in in-form Alex Ross, Sam Heazlett and Joe Burns, all of whom have chipped in with crucial contributions throughout the group stage. While Heat have a dangerous batting unit, their bowlers, especially pacer Mark Steketee and leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson have been on top of their games, scalping 24 wickets between them.
However, Heat will face a stiff challenge from the in-form Sydney Sixers, who did well to retain their third spot by beating Melbourne Stars in their final group game. Daniel Hughes has been a solid find at the top of the order for Moises Henriques' men, while the presence of Colin Munro, the skipper himself, Brad Haddin and Nic Maddinson make their batting unit a comprehensive one.
All-rounders Johan Botha and Sean Abbott, who played crucial knocks against the Stars, provide depth to their line-up as well. Also, the availability of Jackson Bird and Nathan Lyon, who have combined well with Ben Dwarshuis after return from international duty, is making their bowling line-up look formidable.
There will be huge pressure on the Sixers bowlers and how well they can handle it will be crucial to their team's chances against the big-hitting Heat on Wednesday.
TV Schedule
Singapore: Star Cricket
India: Star Sports
US: Willow TV
UK: BT Sport 2
Australia: Network 10
South Africa: Supersport
Team News
Heat
Possible XI: McCullum (c), Pierson (wk), Heazlett, Ross, Burns, Cutting, Labuschagne, Wildermuth, Buchanan, Steketee, Swepson
Sixers
Possible XI: Hughes, Lumb, Munro, Henriques (c), Maddinson, Haddin (wk), Botha, Abbott, Dwarshuis, Lyon, Bird
