[WATCH] Nathan McSweeney’s Lucky Escape As Bails Remain In Place Despite The Ball Hitting The Stumps

On Thursday, February 2, the Sydney Sixers took centre stage alongside the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League 2022-23 Challenger at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Nathan McSweeney had a huge escape during Brisbane Heat’s innings when Izharulhaq Naveed’s delivery kissed the stumps but the bails held firm.

Naveed bowled a beauty to McSweeney on the first delivery of Heat’s seventh over, leaving the batter perplexed. The ball narrowly missed the bat and kissed the off stump before heading towards the keeper. Sydney Sixers wicketkeeper Josh Philippe was also unaware of the delivery’s trajectory and was unable to collect the ball.

Here is the video:

Another coat of paint and those zing bails probably light up 😱@KFCAustralia #BucketMoment #BBL12 #BBLFinals pic.twitter.com/w9qv8Vx85o

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 2, 2023

It was a close call for McSweeney, but the batting all-rounder was unable to capitalise. He could only add one run to his tally after the incident before being dismissed for five runs off eight balls on the fifth delivery of the same over. McSweeney’s failure, however, had no effect on the outcome of the game, as Brisbane Heat won by four wickets and advanced to the finals.

The Sydney Sixers won the toss and chose to bat earlier in the game. They were, however, utterly ineffective with the bat, scoring only 116 runs in 20 overs. Spencer Johnson and Matthew Kuhnemann were both outstanding with the ball, each taking three wickets. Michael Neser also demonstrated his class, taking two scalps for 28 runs.

Brisbane responded by being in a difficult situation, having lost five wickets for 56 runs. However, Neser displayed steely nerves to lead his team over the finish line. The bowling all-rounder scored 48* runs off 32 balls. For his outstanding all-around performance, the 32-year-old was named Player of the Match.

Jimmy Peirson and company will face the Perth Scorchers in the final match on Saturday, February 4 at Perth Stadium. Brisbane will attempt to end their nine-season title drought by defeating the defending champions.

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