Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat clash in the ninth match of the Big Bash League at Manuka Oval on December 22.
The THU vs hea dream11 prediction today match arrives at a critical juncture for both franchises in the early-season standings.
Thunder suffered a 47-run loss against the Sydney Sixers in their previous fixture. The team managed just 151 runs in 19.1 overs, falling well short of the target.
Heat arrive with tremendous confidence after completing the highest successful run chase in BBL history against Perth Scorchers.
Matt Renshaw struck 102 while Jack Wildermuth remained unbeaten on 110 as Heat chased down 258 runs.
The pair added 212 runs together to script one of the most memorable BBL performances. Thunder’s bowling attack faces a major challenge against this in-form Heat batting unit.
The two teams have contrasting objectives for this fixture. Thunder need to stop their slide and register a win to stay relevant in the tournament.
Heat want to maintain their winning momentum and secure consecutive victories to strengthen their position on the points table.
Manuka Oval in Canberra has witnessed 32 T20 matches where chasing teams won 17 times.
Brisbane Heat will play without regular captain Nathan McSweeney, who sustained an ankle injury.
THU vs HEA Dream11 Prediction
Xavier Bartlett assumes leadership responsibilities for this match. Sydney Thunder will depend on David Warner and Sam Billings to deliver match-winning contributions.
Match Preview
Sydney Thunder’s batting order failed to fire in their recent loss to the Sixers. The top order, including Warner, couldn’t establish partnerships.
Manuka Oval requires strong starts and contributions from middle-order batters to set defendable totals.
Brisbane Heat’s batting unit appears unstoppable following their record-breaking chase.
Renshaw and Wildermuth displayed excellent temperament under pressure.
Their successful pursuit of 257 runs demonstrates exceptional shot selection and partnership-building capabilities.
Both teams possess quality bowling options. Thunder can rely on Daniel Sams and Tanveer Sangha for wickets.
The Heat have international stars Shaheen Shah Afridi and Spencer Johnson, who bring pace and swing variations to challenge opposition batters.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat |
| Date | 22 December 2025 |
| Time | 1:45 PM IST |
| Venue | Canberra, Manuka Oval |
| Tournament | Big Bash League (BBL) |
THU vs HEA Match Pitch Report
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch type | Good Batting Wicket |
| Average score | Average 1st inning score: 148, Average 2nd inning score: 126 |
| Favors | Batter friendly |
| Surface | Hard, grass-covered wicket with true bounce |
| Toss factor | Toss doesn’t give a huge advantage; many teams prefer chasing |
The Manuka Oval surface features hard ground with grass coverage, delivering consistent bounce.
Batters can play their natural game with confidence. Fast bowlers find some early assistance, but batting becomes easier once players settle at the crease.
First-innings scores average 148 at this venue, reflecting favorable batting conditions.
The second-innings average drops to 126, indicating increased difficulty. Dew accumulation and visibility changes affect teams batting second at Manuka Oval.
Scores above 160 in the first innings provide competitive totals. The pitch maintains its character throughout matches, but bowling becomes challenging in the second half.
Both Thunder and Heat have batting strength to capitalize on these surface conditions.
Weather Report
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 26°C in the evening, cooling to almost 22°C |
| Humidity | Around 89-92% by late evening |
| Wind speed | 3-8 KM/H |
| Rain Chance | Around 20% in the evening, isolated showers possible |
| Dew factor | Dew point around 16-17°C, noticeable dew build-up later |
THU vs HEA Match Toss Prediction
Chasing teams hold a marginal edge at Manuka Oval according to match statistics.
From 32 T20 games at this venue, teams batting second won 17 matches against 13 victories for teams batting first. Captains generally prefer fielding first after winning the toss.
The first-innings average of 164 runs confirms the pitch supports batting in the initial phase.
Second-innings challenges explain why chasing has yielded better results historically. Dew formation in later stages also assists batters facing wet balls.
Thunder and Heat captains will likely choose to bowl first if they win the toss. This thu vs hea dream11 prediction today indicates chasing remains the strategic preference.
Heat’s recent success while chasing 257 proves their ability to handle run chases in pressure situations.
Injury Update
Nathan McSweeney will miss this fixture for the Brisbane Heat due to an ankle problem. The regular skipper hurt himself during the successful chase against the Perth Scorchers. Xavier Bartlett takes charge as captain in McSweeney’s place for this match.
Bartlett possesses leadership qualities and tactical knowledge for the role. His familiarity with the squad helps maintain team cohesion. Heat’s batting lineup remains potent despite the captain’s absence, with Renshaw and Wildermuth showing excellent form recently.
Sydney Thunder reports no injury problems ahead of this game. Captain David Warner has his complete squad available for selection. Thunder benefit from continuity in team selection and established combinations for the Manuka Oval encounter.
THU vs HEA Team Squads
- Brisbane Heat: Xavier Bartlett (c), Jimmy Peirson (wk), Matt Renshaw, Colin Munro, Max Bryant, Jack Wildermuth, Tom Alsop, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Matthew Kuhnemann, Liam Haskett, Michael Neser, Hugh Weibgen, Spencer Johnson.
- Sydney Thunder: David Warner (c), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (wk), Matthew Gilkes, Nic Maddinson, Sam Konstas, Blake Nikitaras, Chris Green, Daniel Sams, Nathan McAndrew, Reece Topley, Tanveer Sangha, Aidan O’Connor, Tom Andrews.
THU vs HEA Dream11 Team Prediction
- Wicketkeeper: Sam Billings, Jimmy Peirson
- Batters: Matt Renshaw (vc), David Warner, Max Bryant
- All-rounders: Jack Wildermuth (c), Daniel Sams, Chris Green
- Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tanveer Sangha, Spencer Johnson
This Dream11 selection combines the Heat’s current batting form with the Thunder’s experienced cricketers.
Wildermuth earns captaincy following his unbeaten 110 in the previous fixture. Renshaw becomes the vice-captain after scoring a century against the Perth Scorchers.
Three Heat batters feature in this lineup based on their recent performances. Warner and Billings represent Thunder’s batting department.
The all-rounder category includes players who provide value in both batting and bowling disciplines.
THU vs HEA Head-to-Head Records
Last Five Matches:
- 06 Jan 2025 — Brisbane Heat beat Sydney Thunder by 5 wickets at The Gabba, Brisbane
- 27 Dec 2023 — Brisbane Heat beat Sydney Thunder by 15 runs at Brisbane
- 12 Dec 2023 — Brisbane Heat beat Sydney Thunder by 20 runs at Canberra (Manuka Oval)
- 29 Dec 2022 — Sydney Thunder beat Brisbane Heat by 11 runs at Carrara
- 27 Dec 2022 — Sydney Thunder beat Brisbane Heat by 10 wickets at Sydney
Heat have won the last three matches against the Thunder. The January 2025 meeting saw Heat win by 5 wickets at The Gabba.
Max Bryant’s 72 off 35 balls highlighted his effectiveness against Thunder’s bowling attack in that game.
Heat’s 20-run victory at Manuka Oval in December 2023 holds special significance for this match.
This result shows Heat’s understanding of venue conditions and successful game plans here. Thunder’s last victories came in December 2022 when they won two consecutive matches.
Top Player Picks
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Matt Renshaw (Heat) | 291 runs in 7 games at average of 48.5 and strike rate of 176, scored century (102) in last match |
| Jack Wildermuth (Heat) | Scored unbeaten 110 off 54 balls in record chase, formed 212-run partnership with Renshaw |
| Max Bryant (Heat) | Scored 72 off 35 in Heat’s 5-wicket win over Thunder in January 2025, proven performer against this opposition |
| Daniel Sams (Thunder) | Leads Thunder vs Heat bowling stats with 11+ wickets in head-to-head matches, consistent wicket-taker |
| David Warner (Thunder) | Experienced captain and opener, crucial for Thunder’s success in big matches |
| Sam Billings (Thunder) | Consistent scorer with high strike rate, provides finishing ability in middle order |
| Chris Green (Thunder) | Picked up 2 wickets in recent Thunder vs Heat fixtures, offers all-round value |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi (Heat) | World-class pace bowler who can swing the ball and take early wickets |
Conclusion
The THU vs HEA Dream11 Prediction Today BBL on 22 Dec 2025 presents two teams in different form situations.
Brisbane Heat carry momentum from their historic chase while Sydney Thunder aim to recover from their recent defeat.
This thu vs hea dream11 prediction today bbl on 22 Dec analyzes pitch behavior, weather patterns, and current team form.
The batting-friendly Manuka Oval surface should facilitate high-scoring cricket with both teams possessing quality batting depth.
Heat’s winning streak and head-to-head record favor them for this contest. The combination of Renshaw and Wildermuth’s form creates problems for any bowling attack.
Thunder require strong performances from Warner and Sams to compete effectively in this fixture.
The Dream11 selection prioritizes in-form players and those with strong venue records.
Fantasy cricket participants should verify final team announcements and toss outcomes before confirming selections.
Weather forecasts suggest minimal disruption with only a slight possibility.
Both franchises target two points to enhance their tournament positions.
Heat can extend their winning sequence while Thunder must prevent further setbacks.
This match offers quality cricket entertainment with skilled players from both squads ready to contribute.
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