BBL 2025/26 | Match 2: Melbourne Renegades vs Brisbane Heat | Preview and Predictions

The Melbourne Renegades, winners of the 2018/19 BBL season, are set to start their 2025/26 campaign against two-time champions Brisbane Heat on December 15 in Geelong. 

For the game, here we present our preview and predictions.

BBL|15 Match 2: Renegades vs Heat | 13:45 IST, December 15, 2025

After finishing sixth last season, the Renegades have put together a strong squad this time around, one capable of making the top four and even ending their seven-year title drought.

Chasing their second title, the Renegades rely on a mix of experienced players and young talent. Consistency, execution, and adaptability across key phases will be crucial if they want to finally break their trophy drought this season.

Their current squad boasts a versatile, well-rounded bowling unit capable of adapting to any conditions. The addition of Jason Behrendorff, the league’s leading wicket-taker over the last two seasons, significantly increases their overall value and experience.

The Renegades were the best bowling side inside the Powerplay last season, plucking 21 wickets at 7 runs per over. Apart from their exploits with the new ball, they were also one of the best bowling sides last season through the middle overs (overs 7–15), taking 32 wickets at 8.03 rpo. Adam Zampa, their premier leg-spinner, has been a terrific option in this phase with consistent wickets.

That said, the Renegades’ middle-order batting lacks experience. Relying on developing players went on to expose them as one of the worst batting sides during the death overs (16–20) last season. Their over-reliance on Tom Rogers at death is something they must address this season. Even with the ball, they took just 12 wickets in death overs last season — the lowest among all teams.

As far as the Brisbane Heat are concerned, after a difficult title defence last year that ended in a seventh-place finish, the two-time champions come into this edition with hopes of a much-needed revival.

Last season’s struggles exposed inconsistencies across the Heat line-up, prompting a reset ahead of BBL|15. The Heat now boast a promising pace unit headlined by Shaheen Afridi, whose impact adds an X factor to an already dynamic attack. With emerging talent and returning specialists, the Heat’s fast-bowling group is expected to be their biggest strength.

With the bat, the form of their middle-over operators will be crucial in the Heat’s bid to make it back into the play-offs. The likes of Matt Renshaw (175+ strike rate), Marnus Labuschagne (195+ strike rate), Max Bryant (157+ strike rate), and Tom Alsop (178+ strike rate) will be the main accelerators through the middle and death overs.

That said, the Heat lack explosive firepower at the top, relying heavily on ageing or inconsistent batters. Without early momentum, they risk repeating last season’s slow starts and middle-over dependence.

Furthermore, the Heat will have a thin spin attack this season. They rely even more heavily on Matthew Kuhnemann’s finger spin in the absence of a specialist leg-spinner after Mitchell Swepson’s departure.

Looking ahead to this fixture, the Renegades certainly look better placed, at least during the initial phase. The firepower in their batting line-up, as well as a strong bowling department that ticks most boxes, gives them the advantage in their first outing of the season.

Fantasy XI: Josh Browne, Nathan McSweeney (vc), Matt Renshaw, Tim Seifert (c), Tom Alsop, Will Sutherland, Tom Rogers, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff, Xavier Bartlett, Shaheen Afridi

Venue: Simonds Stadium, Geelong 
Winners Prediction: Melbourne Renegades