Sydney Sixers boiler rematch against Brisbane Heat at Coffs C.ex Stadium on January 3

Coffs Coast is set to host a boiler showdown between the Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat in the new year. Here’s what to expect.

Coffs Coast cricket fans are frothing for the hotly-anticipated rematch between Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat pegged for the city early in the new year.

After suffering a nailbiting loss to the Heat in February, the Sixers are hungry to even the score.

This fixture will see a rematch of last season’s Challenger Final, with the Sixers and the Heat going head-to-head on January 3 from 6.05pm.

Cricket action at Coffs in 2020. Picture: Jason O'Brien

The Heat currently shares the top of the points ladder with the Perth Scorchers at 5 a piece in the 2023/24 season.

Colin Munro is the top run-scorer for Heat with 99 runs at a strike rate of 162, striking 5 sixes and 9 fours while Marnus Labuschagne has also made 30 runs at a strike rate of 130.

The Heat’s bowling sensation, Mitchell Swepson, has taken three wickets with an average of seven and an economy rate of 7.26.

Brisbane Heat’s players include: Usman Khawaja, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Brown, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Will Prestwidge, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Paul Walter, Jack Wildermuth

Brisbane Heat’s Colin Munro bats during the BBL match between Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars at The Gabba, Brisbane on December 7. Picture: Albert Perez

But the Sixers have Steve Smith in to bat alongside Jordan Silk – the only other batter to top Smith’s runs total last season.

Silk smashed two ton against rivals Sydney Thunder and the Adelaide Strikers.

James Vince is hot to trot, making his mark as the second most prolific overseas player in Big Bash history behind Alex Hales.

Coach Greg Shipperd told the Cricketer: “Our spinning group is building nicely with Steve O’Keefe, Todd Murphy, and young Joel Davies, whose left-arm offies complement his strong batting and fielding.”

Steve O'Keefe of the Sixers bowls during a match in January. Picture: Matt Roberts

The Sixers squad includes: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Steve O’Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Tom Curran, James Vince, Rehan Ahmed (withdrawn), Steve Smith, Izharulhaq Naveed, Mitch Perry.

It’s the only BBL game to be held in the region this season and is expected to draw a big crowd to C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

Fans in the stands during a match between Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers at Coffs.

The Sixers played before a sold-out 10,000-plus crowd at the stadium last summer and the match featured a record-breaking century by Smith.

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said: “What a fantastic way to kick off 2024 here on the Coffs Coast, with the city hosting another exciting BBL match at C.ex Coffs International Stadium,” he said.

“We encourage everyone, locals and visitors alike, to get your tickets now to avoid disappointment and get behind the Sydney Sixers at their home away from home.”

The gates are set to open at 4.05pm.