BBL12 post-season action has arrived, with the Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat to kick off a huge finals campaign.

With no second chances, this is a must-win game for both sides so expect plenty of fireworks from the two most unpredictable teams in the competition.

Draftstars have put up a heap of contests to suit every budget, so check out Josh Nevett’s DFS tips for this huge clash.

Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat

Thunder Squad: Ben Cutting, Joel Davies, Oliver Davies, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green (c), Ryan Hadley, Baxter Holt, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Ross Pawson, Usman Qadir, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, David Warner, Sam Whiteman.

Heat Squad: Usman Khawaja (c), Xavier Bartlett, James Bazley, Josh Brown, Max Bryant, Sam Hain (International Replacement), Sam Heazlett, Spencer Johnson, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson

The Thunder and Heat have both entertained in BBL12, and ultimately made the top five by the skin of their teeth.

Sydney’s form went up and down like a yo-yo over the course of the season – after suffering a humiliating defeat to the Strikers early in the campaign, the Thunder turned things around through the middle of the season and ultimately managed seven wins.

On the other hand, Brisbane left their run late, winning four of their final five matches to finish in fifth spot.

Individually, Michael Neser has been the standout bowler for the Heat with 22 wickets, while the likes of Pierson, Renshaw and Hain have contributed strongly with the bat.

For the Thunder, Sams has led the wicket-takers with 17, but importantly four players have topped 200 runs – Ollie Davies (333), Matt Gilkes (279), Alex Ross (256) and Alex Hales (245).

Both teams should be able to roll out near full-strength line-ups on Friday, so there are no excuses for poor performance.

The Thunder will go in as narrow favourites, which is probably fair considering their hosting rights. However, this game shapes up as a potential thriller.

Fantasy Plays

Love It – Jimmy Pierson ($8,800)

Pierson has been a consistent DFS value option throughout BBL12. The Heat wicketkeeper has averaged 39 points, with his high score of 83 coming just a few days ago. The key to Pierson’s success has been the fragility of Brisbane’s top order, which has only been exacerbated by the poor performance of their returning test stars. I expect Pierson to enjoy more time at the crease on Friday, so he’s great value at minimum price.

Love It – Daniel Sams ($17,900)

Sydney’s marquee player has been up and down this campaign, but he presents as great value for this final. Sams has averaged 51 points, which isn’t a great return for nearly $18k, but this pick is based on his ceiling. The Thunder all-rounder has topped 100 twice this season, with one of those scores coming against the Heat, and I’m backing him to perform on the big stage.

Don’t Love It – Michael Neser ($21,400)

While Neser has been Brisbane’s most effective bowler in BBL12, the price isn’t right here. Nearly $22k for a guy who has topped 100 DFS points just twice is insane, and Neser relies on wickets as his economy rate has been on the high side. The veteran may well top the wicket-taking charts again on Friday, but that doesn’t justify his selection in DFS.

Don’t Love It – Jason Sangha ($15,000)

Sangha is an incredible talent, but it’s hard to expect too much from a guy who is returning from injury. On the way back from a collarbone issue, Sangha put up 30 points against the Stars in his first game back and now he has to try and find his best form in a final. It’s by no means impossible, but I won’t be risking Sangha in my line-ups.

Who Knows – Usman Khawaja ($16,200)

Since returning from test duty, Khawaja has been hugely disappointing. The classy left-hander has averaged just 20 DFS points, with no scores over 31, but we all know what he’s capable of. The ingredients are there for a return to form – a big final against Khawaja’s old side – so, will we see the best of ‘Uzzie’ on Friday?

Suggested Draftstars Line-up

 

Always remember to gamble responsibly. When the fun stops, stop. If gambling is having a negative impact on your life, seek support at Gambling Help Online.  18+ only.