BBL 13 (Game 44) – Final – Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixes
In a spectacular display of T20 cricket, the Brisbane Heat emerged victorious in the Big Bash League (BBL 13) Final, clinching their second title after an 11-year drought. The Heat’s triumph was marked by a commanding performance with the bat and the ball, solidifying their status as deserving champions. Josh Brown’s crucial half century alongside Spencer Johnson four-fer were the icing on the cake needed to end such an exceptional Big Bash Season.
Sydney Sixers, having won the toss on their home turf, opted to bowl first. This decision proved to be the right choice given that the Heat struggled in the opening powerplay. Unfortunately for the Sixers, the Heat’s Josh Brown got the ball rolling with a magnificent half century, paving the way for his team mates to finish strong. Matt Renshaw, Nathan McSweeney and Max Bryant all contributed after Brown’s unfortunate departure, playing it cool till the very end, amassing 166 runs for 8 wickets. The Sixers who started in exceptional fashion, struggled to maintain control in the middle overs, eventually costing them the game.
Chasing a daunting 167 on an unpredictable pitch at the SCG, the Sixers struggled from the word go. Brisbane’s predominantly fast bowling attack had their way with the Sixers, picking up wickets much like a baby would candy at a candy store. Spencer Johnson led the charge with four crucial wickets, two in the opening phases and two towards the end. Johnson was well supported by Michael Nesser, Paul Walter, Xavier Bartlett and leggy Mitchell Swepson. Together they bundled out the Sixers for just 112, winning the much awaited final by a thumping 54 runs.
Chief Scores :
Brisbane Heat – 166 for 8 in 20 overs (Josh Brown 53, Matt Renshaw 40, Nathan McSweeney 33, Sean Abbott, Steve O’Keefe 1 for 26, Ben Dwarshius 1 for 38)
Sydney Sixers – 112 for 10 in 17.3 overs (Moises Henriques 25, Josh Phillippe 23, Jack Edwards 16, Spencer Johnson 4 for 26, Xavier Bartlett 2 for 12, Mitchell Swepson 2 for 19)
