The Brisbane Heat showcased their unyielding form in the Big Bash League (BBL) with a commanding 20-run triumph over the Sydney Thunder in Canberra. Colin Munro’s elegant 46-run contribution at the top and a disciplined bowling exhibition from the Heat’s arsenal sealed their victory on a challenging pitch coupled with a sluggish outfield.
Despite a fleeting threat posed by Thunder skipper Chris Green during the latter stages, the Heat maintained a convincing lead. The visitors, who remained undefeated, followed up their initial win against the Melbourne Stars with a clinical performance, as their encounter with the Adelaide Strikers was disrupted due to adverse weather conditions.
The Heat’s diverse bowling attack made significant inroads, with multiple wickets claimed by four different bowlers. Xavier Bartlett’s figures of 3 for 35 and leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson’s stellar 2 for 26, which included crucial dismissals like Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams, proved pivotal.
Sydney Thunder encountered early setbacks, losing opener Alex Hales for a golden duck off Michael Neser’s delivery, while Matt Gilkes departed in the fourth over. Cameron Bancroft, in his debut for the Thunder, initiated aggressively but fell victim to Swepson’s deceiving delivery, altering the game’s momentum at 53 for 3.
A highlight moment ensued when Neser’s extraordinary catch, a full-stretch dive at deep midwicket, dismissed Alex Ross, further crippling Thunder’s batting lineup at 56 for 4. Thunder’s Ollie Davies exhibited some resistance, notably with a remarkable diving catch that dismissed Josh Brown.
Tanveer Sangha’s commendable bowling for the Thunder stifled the Heat’s batting lineup, securing key wickets including Nathan McSweeney, Matt Renshaw, and Paul Walter, conceding a mere 21 runs.
Colin Munro, following his impressive 99 not out in the previous encounter against the Stars, continued his fine form with a composed 46 runs. The debutant Zaman Khan made a mark, displaying his unorthodox yet effective bowling style by dismissing Billings and Neser in a single over, much to the delight of the Canberra crowd.
