Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat predictions and cricket betting tips

Where to watch

Sky Sports Cricket, 8.15am Thursday

Best bet

Jordan Silk top Sydney Sixers runscorer
2pts 7-1 Betfair, Paddy Power 

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Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat preview

Sydney Sixers are favourites to win their Big Bash Challenger playoff against Brisbane Heat, setting up a repeat of last season's final against Perth Scorchers, but they are missing star man Steve Smith, who smashed 346 runs off 198 balls during a magnificent five-game Bash cameo.

Smith has left for Australia's Test tour of India, along with Heat batting heroes Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Matt Renshaw, who have played major roles in a run of six wins from their last seven matches.

Brisbane's only defeat during that sequence was a two-run loss to Hobart Hurricanes, when they should have cantered home, but the depleted Heat are 8-5 to upset a streetwise Sixers side at the SCG.

In Smith's absence, Jordan Silk looks a juicy price to top-score for the hosts. He has been scoring runs consistently in the middle-order this season, including an eyecatching 47 not out off 34 balls in the Qualifier defeat against the Scorchers last time out.

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