The match between Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers was transformed into a conclusive battle as the Sixers showcased an outstanding all-round display to finish second in the points table and progress to the BBL Qualifier. The match was filled with turning points when Sam Curran, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Starc rose to the challenge to win the match with a five-wicket victory.
High-Stakes Encounter Decides Qualifier Spot
The Sunday night encounter between Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers was virtually a knockout. Since three sides had already qualified and three sides were eliminated from contention, winning this match would assure the winner a place in the Qualifier. The Sydney Sixers rose to the challenge and delivered a flawless display in order to meet Perth Scorchers on Tuesday, 20 January.
Mitchell Starc Sets the Tone with the Ball
Mitchell Starc was instrumental for the Sixers with a devastating opening spell. He removed two batsmen inside the PowerPlay, and Brisbane Heat was left reeling at 18 for 3 after only three overs.
Starc continued to trouble the batsmen throughout the innings with a good mix of pace and swing. Although he was aided by a few miscues, he picked up crucial wickets through his variations. His economic spell towards the end with 4 wickets in 35 runs restricted the Heat to a limited score despite their late flourish.
McSweeney and Neser Lift Brisbane Heat to 171
After the early blows, Nathan McSweeney stabilized the innings with a mature 69 off 54 deliveries*, starting at number 3. He was ably supported in the late order by Michael Neser, whose blistering 35 off 14 deliveries included five fours and two sixes.
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Brisbane Heat managed to stage a impressive recovery from a precarious position of 96 for 5 in 14 overs to reach a competitive total of 171 for 9 through a series of high-scoring overs at the end.
Early Wickets Give Heat a Glimmer of Hope
Brisbane Heat began their second innings on the momentum they accumulated towards the end of the first, dismissing Babar Azam and Josh Philippe within the PowerPlay. But for the second time, Steve Smith held firm under pressure.
Steve Smith and Sam Curran Steady the Chase
He anchored the chase with an excellent 54 off 40, which was built around some key partnerships:
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43 off 34 balls from Moises Henriques
60 off 40 balls, courtesy of Sam Curran
Such wickets helped Sydney Sixers remain ahead of the required rate in middle overs.
Heat Fight Back but Curran Finishes in Style
This was pretty much balanced as the Heat briefly pulled things back during the Power Surge with Xavier Bartlett and Zaman Khan bowling tight overs. Smith fell to Zaman, but the Sixers never lost control.
Then, with 35 required off 24 balls, Sam Curran took over. Two sixes in an over against Matthew Kuhnemann in the 18th saw him bring up a scorching half-century off just 26 balls, and sealed the game. The final moments were dramatic but Jack Edwards sealed the win with a big hit after Lachlan Shaw fell with scores level.
Match Summary: Brisbane Heat VS Sydney Sixers
Brisbane Heat: 171/9 in 20 overs
Nathan McSweeney 69*
Michael Neser 35
Mitchell Starc 4/35
Sam Curran 2/37
Sydney Sixers: 177/5 in 18.4 overs
Sam Curran 53*
Steve Smith 54
Xavier Bartlett 2/32
Result: Sydney Sixers won by 5 wickets
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