In a pulsating encounter at The Gabba, Brisbane Heat edged past Adelaide Strikers by three wickets. The ninth match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 witnessed an enthralling display of cricket, with Nathan McSweeney’s remarkable innings steering Brisbane Heat to a last-over victory.
Jamie Overton shines with the bat for Brisbane Heat
After winning the toss, Brisbane Heat opted to bowl first. The Adelaide Strikers’ innings started on a shaky note, losing D’Arcy Short (1 off 3) early. Matthew Short (13 off 12) and Chris Lynn (24 off 21) tried to stabilize the innings, but consistent breakthroughs from the Brisbane Heat bowlers kept the visitors in check.
Ollie Pope (34 off 29) and Alex Ross (20 off 15) provided some resistance in the middle order, but it was Jamie Overton’s explosive knock of 45 not out off 24 balls, laced with three fours and three sixes, that propelled the Strikers to a competitive total of 174/6 in their 20 overs. James Bazley chipped in with a quickfire 23 off 11 balls, including two sixes, giving the Strikers momentum toward the end.
For Brisbane Heat, Will Prestwidge was the standout bowler, picking up 2 wickets for just 16 runs in his 2 overs. Tom Whitney (1/27) and Paul Walter (1/26) also chipped in with crucial wickets. Despite going wicketless, Matthew Kuhnemann delivered an economical spell, conceding just 30 runs in his 4 overs.
Nathan McSweeney takes Brisbane Heat home
Chasing 175, Brisbane Heat’s top order faltered early. Colin Munro (7 off 10) and Jimmy Peirson (8 off 6) fell cheaply, leaving the hosts at 19/2. However, Nathan McSweeney played a magnificent knock, anchoring the innings with a superb 78 not out off 49 balls, smashing 10 fours and 2 sixes. He was well supported by Matt Renshaw, who blasted 54 off 27 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. The duo’s 66-run partnership for the third wicket laid the foundation for the chase.
Adelaide Strikers fought back with quick wickets in the death overs. Lloyd Pope was brilliant with the ball, picking up 2 wickets for just 17 runs in his 3 overs. Henry Thornton (2/43) and Liam Scott (1/23) also kept the pressure on.
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With 13 runs needed off the final two overs, Brisbane Heat stumbled but managed to scrape through. McSweeney held his nerves in the final over to guide his team to victory, while Michael Swepson hit the winning runs.
Nathan McSweeney walks off bat-raised to the Gabba crowd
Scorecard: https://t.co/omb6owTBxE#BBL14 #T20 #BHvAS #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/DkU39oW0zL
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 22, 2024
Nathan McSweeney’s heroic knock earned him the Player of the Match award. His composure under pressure and ability to find gaps at crucial junctures made the difference for Brisbane Heat.
What a innings 👏👏👏 https://t.co/eO3z9denrR
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) December 22, 2024
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