Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder predictions and cricket betting tips

Free cricket tips, best bets and analysis for Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League on Thursday

Where to watch

Sky Sports Mix, 7.05am Thursday

Best bet

Sydney Thunder to have higher opening partnership
1pt 10-11 bet365

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Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder preview

Alex Hales and Matthew Gilkes laid on an opening-wicket masterclass at the SCG on Tuesday and punters should back the Sydney Thunder duo to repeat the feat when they take on Brisbane Heat once again in the Big Bash.

Hales hit a 36-ball 59 and Gilkes 56 off 34 deliveries as the Thunder openers shared an unbeaten stand of 124 to see their team home by ten wickets with 50 balls unused in their first meeting with the Heat this season.

Now the sides fly up to Cairns to go again and the Thunder batters look the best bet at 10-11 to produce the higher first-wicket partnership.

Brisbane's openers have racked up stands of one, 12, ten and three and they will need to improve on those numbers now that England T20 World Cup winner Hales and Gilkes have hit their straps.

Neither team is setting the world alight in this season's Big Bash – remember the Thunder were skittled for just 15 by Adelaide Strikers less than a fortnight ago – but a fluent Hales and Gilkes can quickly get the Sydney side back in the title race.

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