HEA VS THU MATCH 16

Right then, that is from this pretty entertaining game where Brisbane Heat kept their nerves to register yet another win while Sydney Thunder will need to get back stronger in the next game. The action in the Big Bash League 2023/24 continues as Hobart Hurricanes go up against Melbourne Stars. That game will begin on 28th December, Thursday at 1.45 pm IST (8.15 am GMT), but as you know, you can join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Nathan McSweeney is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his excellent knock. He says that he is happy to win. He adds that the bowlers bowled brilliantly and the wicket got a bit slow which helped them in the end. He mentions that the crowd was amazing and the support was encouraging. He adds that he enjoys batting here at the Gabba and the wicket is fast like the outfield also says that he is looking forward to the home games and it suits him to carry his form

Presentation Time...

Earlier in the game, Brisbane Heat posted a slightly below-par total due to an incredible late batting collapse. Nathan McSweeney played brilliantly for his 73 while Josh Brown, Sam Billings, and Matt Renshaw contributed with good cameos. Daniel Sams was the star of the show for Sydney Thunder with a superb five-wicket hail which included four wickets in his last over. Zaman Khan got too while except for Nathan McAndrew all the other bowlers chipped in with one each. While chasing, Thunder openers set up a decent platform but the brilliant bowling unit of the Heat stood strong in the middle overs and defended the total very nicely.

Brisbane Heat, on the other hand, will be extremely pleased with their effort with the ball. They were taken to the cleaners in the initial overs but slowly clawed their way back in the game with superb spells from their two spinners, Matthew Kuhnemann and Mitchell Swepson who shared three wickets and were very economical which put the pressure on the chasing side. Their pacers were decent as well except for Paul Walter who was a bit expensive. Xavier Bartlett was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets while he was supported well by Spencer Johnson who ended up with a couple to ensure the two points.

Sydney Thunder got off to a fine start with both their openers looking in fine form. Alex Hales did get hit on the box but that charged him up even more as they added 58 runs together. Jason Sangha joined Cameron Bancroft and continued the flow of runs well till the drinks break. However, once he was dismissed, the asking rate started to creep up and Bancroft went back on the first delivery of the Surge after scoring 46. Oliver Davies attacked well in the Surge but he too perished soon after and just like the Heat, they faced a collapse as well as they were reduced to 128/6 from 92/1. None of the middle-order batters were able to stick around and it was too much for the tail-enders as they fell short by 15 runs in the end.

Brisbane Heat remains unbeaten with a fantastic victory! They have defended this total like table-toppers and show why they are one of the strong contenders this season while Thunder needs to do a lot of thinking as they still search for their second win of the season.

OUT! TAKEN! Xavier Bartlett has the last laugh and finally gets the wicket of Gurinder Sandhu off a slow ball on middle. Gurinder Sandhu pulls it to deep mid-wicket where the substitute fielder Max Bryant makes no mistake and takes a catch off the final delivery which seals the win.

Short again outside off. Gurinder Sandhu slaps it to long off and runs a brace.

SIX! DROPPED! WOW! Xavier Bartlett delivers it slow and on a length. Gurinder Sandhu slaps it and sends it in the air towards long on. The fielder comes in running and fumbles an easy catch dropping it over the line for a maximum. Sandhu will be happy but Xavier Bartlett might be not.

Slow and on middle. Zaman Khan lofts it to long on for one more run.

Slow and full on leg. Gurinder Sandhu hacks it to long on for just a single.

Full and drifting down leg. Gurinder Sandhu swings and misses.

Zaman Khan walks out to bat now. Also, Xavier Bartlett (3-0-19-2) to bowl the last over.

OUT! TAKEN! Spencer Johnson backed himself and bagged himself another wicket. He drops it short and over middle. Alex Ross tried to replicate the previous shot but this time it came out from his blade a bit flatter and straight into the hands of Xavier Bartlett who was there at deep mid-wicket. A big wicket for the Heat and it might mean that they have sealed the game.

Short again over middle. Alex Ross tries to pull this one but misses on the connection.

SIX! Crunched way! Spencer Johnson drops it short and over middle. Alex Ross swivels and pulls it with a great connection. The ball sails into the crowds for a glorious maximum. A much-needed shot.

Short again on leg. Alex Ross pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for another couple of runs. They need boundaries if they want to ease the pressure.