NEW DELHI:
Brisbane Heat
speedster
Spencer Johnson
on Wednesday played a crucial role in securing his team's second
Big Bash League
title. In the season decider against
Sydney Sixers
, Johnson delivered a stellar performance, achieving a career-best 4-26.
Sent in to bat at the Sydney Cricket Ground, opener
Josh Brown
contributed significantly with a score of 53, guiding his team to a competitive total of 166-8 in 20 overs.
The Sixers, in response, struggled and were bowled out for 112, falling short as Heat claimed victory with 15 balls remaining.
"I feel like we were the best team all year so I think we deserve to have the medal around our neck," said man-of-the-match Johnson.
"The Brisbane Heat have changed my life, it's pretty special."
In the first powerplay, pacemen Johnson and Michael Neser (1-15) played a pivotal role in hindering the Sixers' run-chase, dismissing openers Jack Edwards (16) and Daniel Hughes (1).
The slow pitch led to a flurry of wickets during the middle overs, and the Brisbane Heat celebrated with fervour as home skipper Moises Henriques departed, caught for 25 off the bowling of Paul Walter (1-24).
Johnson concluded his spell with a caught and bowled to send Hayden Kerr on his way for six, before Xavier Bartlett (2-12) sealed the victory with consecutive wickets in the 18th over.
Flying high after a blistering playoff-winning ton for the Heat against Adelaide Strikers, Brown survived two tough dropped catches in the deep as he hit three sixes in his fifty, ultimately out lbw to retiring spinner Steve O'Keefe (1-26).
Matt Renshaw (40 off 22 balls) and Max Bryant (29 off 19) combined for a half-century partnership to boost the visitors before seamer Sean Abbott (4-32) helped close out the innings with a triple-strike in the penultimate over.
"Another awesome year, we just couldn't get over the line tonight," said Sixers vice-captain Hughes.
The Heat, who topped the standings during the regular season, previously won the
BBL
championship in 2013.
(With inputs from Reuters)
English (US) ·