Aus T20 League 2023/24

Final: HEA vs SIX

Preview 

The final of the Aus T20 League 2023/24 will witness the high octane clash of the table toppers, with the Brisbane Heat (HEA) taking on Sydney Sixers (SIX). Sydney Cricket Ground will host the final match of the tournament on January 24 (Wednesday). The last five matches between these two sides have ended in HEA having the edge which is a little surprising considering SIX dominate the overall head to head record with 13 wins to the HEA’s 6. 

HEA almost went through unscathed during the league stages without dropping points, only losing their final game to Perth Scorchers (SCO). The SIX sprung over the SCO to finish at top 2 with a staggering 198 run chase against all odds at the furnace. HEA will head into this encounter as underdogs given their dismal performance at this venue and especially against this opposition.

After an astounding run chase the other day, SIX will fancy their chances against HEA, who they’ve beaten twice at the Carrara Oval already. 

SIX without a doubt is one of the most consistent sides in this tournament. This will be their 7th Aus T20 League final (won three, lost three)- the second most appearance of any team in the history of the competition after the SCO with eight. They are an exceptional T20 unit with great pedigree, but they have a few things to sort out before they walk out on Wednesday. SIX have failed to defeat HEA in their previous five outings, including the most recent meeting in a rain spoiled game at the Coffs Harbour this season and the Challenger at the SCG which shattered their hopes of clinching another title. 

Besides, they will have to do without Englishman James Vince, who has been a vital cog in SIX’s triumphant run over the years. The opening batter is part of a long list of players who’ve opted out of the tournament in order to compete in the ILT20. Kurtis Patterson will come in place of Vince and pair up with Daniel Huges at the top of the order. Hughes has looked solid in the limited opportunities he has got so far. The southpaw enjoys playing at this venue and will be hoping to continue his good form. 

Josh Philippe is struggling for form but thankfully skipper Moises Henriques finally got to get the monkey off his back just in the nick of time. He scored a well composed fifty against the HEA in the Qualifier and helped his side get over the finishing line. Jordan Silk is another batter who will hold the key for the men in magenta. In the bowling department Todd Murphy, Ben Dwarshius and Jackson Bird will have the onus to pick wickets. Sean Aboott, who, over the years has been their main man with ball in hand, has not lived up to his name this season. Jack Edwards and Hayden Kerr have been rusty throughout the season. Regardless, the Sydney based franchise possesses a champion mindset capable of overcoming all hurdles with whatever resources they have.   

Finishing the league stages at the top of the table was a cakewalk for HEA, and they almost etched their names in the history books when they were on the verge of getting through the qualifiers without any loss. But SCO stopped them in their tracks in the reverse fixture last weekend. 

Their batting looks a little thin for this all important fixture with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labushagne away on national duty and overseas players leaving to partake in the ILT20. Jimmy Peirson proved his mettle with  a valuable contribution against SCO, but the Kiwi swashbuckler is too big of a void to fill in upfront. Matt Renshaw hasn’t done justice to his calibre. Him and Mcsweeney need to step up and make the most of the powerplay. Their middle and lower middle order is performing exceptionally well, with all rounders Micheal Neser and Paul Walter amongst the runs. When it comes to bowling then HEA possess a lot of variety in their attack. The pace trio of Neser, Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson have wreaked havoc with the new ball whereas the spin pair of Matthew Kuhneman and Mitchell Swepson have successfully managed to keep the opposition batters at bay during the middle overs. Expect a cracking finale with both outfits giving their all. 

Match Details

Match: SIX vs HEA, Final, Aus T20 League 2023-24

Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Time: 01:45 PM

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

Pitch and Weather Report

Carrara Oval offers a good sporting wicket promising an even contest between the bat and ball.  The weather forecast suggests a cloudy and humid evening, and an odd chance of thunderstorms during the game. 

SIX vs HEA Squads

SIX: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Steve OKeefe, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, James Vince, Izharulhaq Naveed, Mitchell Perry, Steven Smith, Joel Davies, Ryan Hadley

HEA: Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Paul Walter, Usman Khawaja, Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Will Prestwidge, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson, Jack Wood, Jack Wildermuth, Nathan McSweeney, Josh Brown, Lachlan Hearne, Charlie Wakim, Jordan Buckingham, Callum Vidler, Hugo Burdon

SIX vs HEA Probable Playing XIs

SIX: Daniel Hughes, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe (wk), Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards, Hayden Kerr, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Steve OKeefe, Todd Murphy.

HEA: Josh Brown, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Nathan McSweeney (c), Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Paul Walter, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Swepson.

Match Prediction

SIX know how to win big moments when the chips are down, and they showed that quality in their final league match against SCO. One cannot completely write off HEA, who are in supreme form at the moment. They are coming off a confident win against the Adelaide Strikers (STR) and will be hoping to reprise their performance on Wednesday. 

We are backing SIX to win this encounter and lift their fourth Aus T20 League title. 

Suggested Playing XI Real11 Fantasy Cricket




Team 1




Team 2