Brisbane Heat registered a comprehensive 54-run victory to defeat Adelaide Strikers and qualify for the finals of Big Bash League season 13 played at Carrara Oval, Gold Coast on 22nd January 2024. Heat captain Nathan McSweeney won the toss and decided to bat first. It was not an ideal start for the Heat side as Charlie Wakim was dismissed cheaply. Joshua Brown showed intent right from the word go and put pressure on Strikers bowlers. At the end of the first 4 overs, Heat made 29 for 1.
Brown showed his hitting abilities keeping the momentum going for the Heat side. He completed his fifty off just 22 balls not allowing Strikers bowlers to settle. His batting demonstrated hitting off the highest order while captain Nathan McSweeney gave good support to him. Brown then completed his century off 41 deliveries.
After the dismissal of McSweeney, Brown continued to pile on the pressure against Strikers bowlers during power-surge overs taken during the 15th and going on till the 17th. Payne eventually dismissed Brown for a superb 140 off 57 deliveries with 10 fours and 12 sixes. Brisbane Heat batters struggled and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. At the end of 20 overs, Heat posted 214 for 7 in 20 overs.
Adelaide Strikers were never in the run chase as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Harry Nielsen was the top scorer for the Strikers with 50 while Kelly made 41. Strikers were bowled out for 160 in 20 overs. It was a commanding performance by the Heat team. With this victory, they moved into the finals of BBL 13 against Sydney Sixers to be played on 24th January 2024.
For his superb knock, Joshua Brown was named the player of the match award. Heat would be hoping that Brown could produce another brilliant effort in the finals against Sydney Sixers.
Joshua Brown Smashes 3rd Highest Score in BBL History
The hard-hitting Joshua Brown smashes the 3rd highest individual score by a batter in Big Bash League history. Luke Pomersbach was the first Heat batter to score a century in BBL history against Melbourne Renegades on 15th January 2013. Chris Lynn joined the list of batters with a century for the Brisbane Heat. He made a century against Hobart Hurricanes on 29th December 2015.
Glenn Maxwell holds the record for the highest individual score in BBL history. He smashed 154 not out off 64 balls for Melbourne Stars against Hobart Hurricanes in Melbourne on 19th January 2022. His teammate Marcus Stoinis scored 147 not out off 79 balls against Sydney Sixers at Melbourne on 12th January 2020.
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