The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed a clinical performance by Brisbane Heat as they outplayed Melbourne Stars in Match 4 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25. Led by a sensational knock from Jimmy Peirson, the Heat chased down the 164-run target with ease, winning by 8 wickets and 11 balls to spare.
Melbourne Stars posts a competitive total
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Brisbane Heat’s bowlers did well to restrict the Melbourne Stars to 162/6 in their 20 overs. The Stars’ innings had a rocky start, with opener Thomas falling early for just 1 run off 4 balls. However, Joe Clarke steadied the ship with a composed 32 off 23 balls, while Sam Harper emerged as the standout batter, scoring 46 off 36 balls with 4 fours and a six.
Skipper Marcus Stoinis provided some fireworks in the middle overs with a brisk 26 off 17 balls, including two towering sixes, but he failed to convert his start. Hilton Cartwright (15 off 14) and Beau Webster (28 off 19) added vital runs to push the Stars past the 160-mark.
The Heat bowlers impressed, with Xavier Bartlett leading the attack. Bartlett returned figures of 3/25 in his four overs, dismantling the Stars’ top order. Leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson was equally effective, conceding just 15 runs in his four overs while picking up a wicket. Tom Whitney and Matthew Kuhnemann chipped in with a wicket each, keeping the Stars’ scoring in check.
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Jimmy Peirson anchors Brisbane Heat’s chase
In reply, the Brisbane Heat made their intentions clear from the outset. Jack Wood gave the chase a flying start, smashing 27 runs off 21 balls, including 3 fours and a six. His opening partnership with Jimmy Peirson set a solid platform before Wood was dismissed by Hamish McKenzie.
Peirson, however, was the star of the evening. The Heat skipper showcased his class and composure, anchoring the chase with a brilliant 72 not out off 56 balls. His innings was laced with five boundaries and two sixes, effectively neutralizing the Stars’ bowling attack. Peirson found support from Max Bryant, who played a blistering knock of 36 off 22 balls, hitting 3 fours and a six.
Peirson fittingly hit the winning runs, sealing the victory for his team with 3 runs on the first ball of Tom Curran’s over.
The Stars’ bowlers struggled to make an impact, with none of them managing to consistently trouble the Heat’s batters. Marcus Stoinis was the pick of the bowlers, taking 1/20 in his four overs. Hamish McKenzie also grabbed a wicket but leaked 42 runs in his full quota. Adam Milne and Curran failed to provide the breakthroughs needed to defend the total.
Here’s how fans on X reacted:
It’s good to be back🔥#HeatWIN #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/l8KdW6GFA9
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) December 18, 2024
That is an unbelievable victory by the Brisbane Heat. No Johnson, no Munro and beat the Stars by 8 wickets with 11 balls remaining!!#BBL14
— Mike Scolz (@skulzy87) December 18, 2024
Brisbane Heat made that run chase look easy even without some players missing from the line up this is a perfect way to start our title defence this season 💪. #BBL14
— Cherrykie (@CherrykieMore) December 18, 2024
Brisbane Heat defeated Melbourne Stars by 8 wickets 🏏#Cricket #BigBashLeague #BBL2024 pic.twitter.com/SHrCFCP8jo
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 18, 2024
Brisbane Heat won by 8 wickets (with 11 balls remaining) pic.twitter.com/FXQwn5Vf9j
— Ewan Harris (@ehbeepbop) December 18, 2024
BRISBANE HEAT NEVER IN DOUBT #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/a7iFRZ8rtN
— Chris (@Vossy7) December 18, 2024
Fantastic game for the Brisbane Heat, especially with some newer players. Great work from Peirson 🤩🔥
— Megan Porter (@meganporter91) December 18, 2024
Jimmy Peirson wins Player of the match award 🥇#Cricket #BigBashLeague #BBL2024 pic.twitter.com/cccU3SCFki
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 18, 2024
Jimmy Peirson’s highest BBL score sees the Heat home with ease 🔥 #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/KIFCu6Bdqv
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 18, 2024
A great knock from Jimmy Peirson guides the Heat to their first win of the season! #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/uyFjTp7bKV
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 18, 2024
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