Nathan McSweeney leads the Brisbane Heat to a thrilling win over the Adelaide Strikers on their return to the BBL

In a pulsating encounter at The Gabba, Brisbane Heat defeated Adelaide Strikers by three wickets. The ninth game in Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 witnessed a mesmerizing display of cricket, with Nathan McSweeney’s outstanding innings guiding Brisbane Heat to a last-gasp victory.

Jamie Overton shines with the bat for Brisbane Heat

After winning the toss, Brisbane Heat decided to throw the ball first. The Adelaide Strikers innings got off to a shaky start, losing D’Arcy Short (1 from 3) early on. Matthew Short (13 off 12) and Chris Lynn (24 off 21) tried to stabilize the innings but consistent breakthroughs from the Brisbane Heat bowlers kept the visitors in check.

Ollie Pope (34 off 29) and Alex Ross (20 off 15) provided resistance in the middle order, but Jamie Overton’s explosive knock of 45 not out from 24 balls, interspersed with three fours and three sixes, propelled the Strikers to a competitive a total of 174/6 in his 20 overs. James Bazley chipped in with a quick-fire 23 off 11 balls, including two sixes, to give the Strikers momentum towards the end.

For Brisbane Heat, Will Prestwidge was the best bowler, picking up 2 wickets for just 16 runs in his 2 overs. Tom Whitney (1/27) and Paul Walter (1/26) also chipped in with key wickets. Despite going wicketless, Matthew Kuhnemann produced an economical spell, conceding just 30 runs in his 4 overs.

Nathan McSweeney leads the Brisbane Heat home

Chasing 175, Brisbane Heat faltered early. Colin Munro (7 off 10) and Jimmy Peirson (8 off 6) fell cheaply, leaving the hosts at 19/2. However, Nathan McSweeney played a magnificent knock, anchoring the innings with a superb 78 not out from 49 balls, smashing 10 fours and 2 sixes. He was well supported by Matt Renshaw, who blasted 54 off 27 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. Their 66-run partnership for the third wicket laid the foundation for the chase.

The Adelaide Strikers hit back with quick wickets in the deadly overs. Lloyd Pope was brilliant with the ball, picking up 2 wickets for just 17 runs in his 3 overs. Henry Thornton (2/43) and Liam Scott (1/23) also kept the pressure on.

With 13 runs needed from the last two overs, Brisbane Heat stumbled but managed to break through. McSweeney held his nerve in the final to lead his team to victory, while Michael Swepson scored the winning runs.

Nathan McSweeney walks off with his bat raised towards the Gabba crowd

Results table: https://t.co/omb6owTBxE#BBL14 #T20 #BHvAS #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/DkU39oW0zL

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 22, 2024

Nathan McSweeney’s heroic strike earned him the man of the match award. His composure under pressure and ability to find holes at key points made the difference for the Brisbane Heat.

What a change 👏👏👏 https://t.co/eO3z9denrR

— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) December 22, 2024