Right then, that is all we have from this game. The action at Gabba is always exciting and the focus will shift to Hobart on Saturday, 24th of December. The home team, Hobart Hurricanes will take on Melbourne Renegades and the action will start at 10 am IST (4.30 am GMT). Do join us for the build-up on that game. Cheers!
Sam Billings is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his superb knock of 79 from 48 balls.
Earlier in the game, the Heat managed to get to a par score on the board courtesy of a superb fifty by Billings and counter-attacking knock from Max Bryant at the top of the order. Short was the one who got two early wickets and both he and Agar finished with three wickets each. The batting effort from Billings and Max Bryant was backed by good disciplined bowling and it proved enough to take Heat over the line in this game.
Adelaide Strikers have quality in the batting line-up but they messed it up by losing four wickets in the Powerplay. Colin de Grandhomme and Kelly did build a strong 73-run stand to bring them back into this game. However, both of them lost their wickets in successive overs and that dented Strikers further and eventually despite some handy cameos by the lower order failed to chase down the target.
The Powerplay was the period where Heat needed to stamp their authority to defend this one and they did exactly that as they got four wickets in that period. Michael Neser set the momentum straightaway with a big inswinger to Jake Weatherald and got the wicket off the first delivery. Both he and Mark Steketee bowled brilliantly with the new ball and Matthew Kuhnemann got a big wicket of Lynn that really put the pressure on Strikers. Mark Steketee then came back to break the dangerous-looking 5th-wicket stand and after that Heat managed to get wickets at regular intervals to get the better of the in-form Adelaide Strikers side.
Brisbane Heat have finally notched up their first win of the season and it is a huge statement as they have hunted Strikers who were on a roll after three consecutive wins. This is what BBL is all about, there is intense competition with all teams putting up a strong squad on paper and it all comes down to execution in the middle. Brisbane Heat were on that front in this game and they now are up and running this season.
ADELAIDE STRIKERS
160/9 (20.0)
43 (33)
37 (30)
4/34 (4)
2/23 (4)
Over 20
2
0
W
2
0
6
Peter Siddle*
8 (3)
Henry Thornton
0 (0)
James Bazley
1/44 (4)
STR
160/9
6
19.6
James Bazley to Peter Siddle ,SIX! A maximum to end the innings, but that will not be enough for Adelaide Strikers! This is short of a length and on middle, Peter Siddle looks to pull it, but gets a top edge as the ball flies over the third man fielder for a biggie. Brisbane Heat win by six runs!
0
19.5
James Bazley to Peter Siddle ,James Bazley bangs in a bouncer, on off, Peter Siddle looks to upper cut it but misses.
2
19.4
James Bazley to Peter Siddle ,Run out chance....missed! This is short of a length and on off, Peter Siddle punches it towards sweeper cover for a single. However, the batters decide to go for the second, and the fielder throws it at the keeper's end where Jimmy Peirson fails to collect it cleanly while Siddle is way short of his crease. In the end the batters get the two runs.
Peter Siddle is the next man in.
W
19.3
James Bazley to Harry Nielsen ,OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! James Bazley bowls this full and on middle, Harry Nielsen goes for the slog, but mistimes it high up in the air towards long on where Michael Neser takes a good catch sliding forward. Brisbane Heat one wicket away from victory now.
0
19.2
James Bazley to Harry Nielsen ,Full toss again and outside off, Harry Nielsen moves across for the scoop again, but fails to connect this time.
2
19.1
James Bazley to Harry Nielsen ,A full toss, on off, Harry Nielsen goes for the scoop, but adjust well and ramps it towards third man for a brace.
Over 19
1
1
1
1
0
W
Wes Agar*
15 (9)
Harry Nielsen
22 (14)
Michael Neser
2/23 (4)
STR
150/8
W
18.6
Michael Neser to Wes Agar ,OUT! TAKEN! Michael Neser gets the wicket, but more importantly it is a dot ball. He serves this full and on off, Wes Agar uses his feet and goes for the heave, but gets a top edge and the ball goes high up in the air. Jimmy Peirson calls for it settles under it and pouches it safely with the gloves on. Adelaide Strikers eight down now and need 17 runs in the last over.
0
18.5
Michael Neser to Wes Agar ,Michael Neser bangs in a good bouncer, on off, Wes Agar swings but misses.
1
18.4
Michael Neser to Harry Nielsen ,DROPPED! Michael Neser bowls this short of a length and on off, Harry Nielsen slices it up in the air towards the short cover region. Mitchell Swepson runs forward, but lets it through his hands. A single is taken.
1
18.3
Michael Neser to Wes Agar ,Short of a length and on middle, Wes Agar slaps it towards covers for single.