SYDNEY: Brisbane Heat clinched the Big Bash League (BBL) title with an emphatic 54-run victory over Sydney Sixers, propelled by Josh Brown’s half-century and Spencer Johnson’s four-wicket haul.
Opting to bat first, the Sixers posted a respectable total of 166/8 in 20 overs, highlighted by Brown’s brisk fifty at the top of the order.
Despite a shaky start with opener Jimmy Peirson departing early, captain Nathan McSweeney partnered with Brown to stabilize the innings, contributing to an 85-run stand for the second wicket. However, both batsmen fell in quick succession, leaving the Heat at 90/3 in 12.2 overs. McSweeney made a cautious 33, while Brown top-scored with a blistering 53 off 38 balls.
Max Bryant and Matt Renshaw then combined for a crucial 57-run partnership, extending until the penultimate over. Sean Abbott’s sensational 19th over, where he claimed three wickets, including that of Bryant, who scored 29 off 19 balls, pulled things back for the Sixers. Renshaw contributed a quickfire 40 off 22 balls but fell on the final delivery of the innings. Abbott led the Sixers’ bowling attack with figures of 4/32.
In response, the Sixers struggled against the Johnson-led Heat bowling attack, collapsing to 112 runs in 17.4 overs. Only five batsmen reached double figures, with captain Moises Henriques top-scoring with 25, followed by Josh Philippe’s 23. Spencer Johnson starred for the Heat, securing four wickets, while Xavier Bartlett and Mitchell Swepson claimed two wickets each.
This victory marked Brisbane Heat’s second BBL title, with their previous triumph coming in the second edition of the league.
