James Bazley's all-round masterclass helps Brisbane Heat decimate Adelaide Strikers

James Bazley celebrating a dismissal [Source: Twitter]

Riding on a stupendous all-round performance from James Bazley, Brisbane Heat handed Adelaide Strikers a 17-run defeat in the 40th T20 of the ongoing Big Bash League. The Heat moved one place up to the seventh in the points table with this commanding win. 

Batters' collective effort powers Heat to 154

After being put into bat, Brisbane Heat got off to an undesirable start, losing skipper Usman Khawaja cheaply to an absolute corker from Harry Conway. His opening partner Josh Brown also departed soon, scoring a quick-fire 16-ball 26. 

However, the experienced duo of Marnus Labuschagne and Matt Renshaw steadied the ship for the visitors, adding crucial 42 runs for the third wicket. Renshaw's departure triggered a collapse that engulfed Labuschagne, Sam Hain and Jimmy Peirson. 

But James Bazley and Michael Neser made sure the Heat crossed the 150-run mark. While Bazley hammered 20 runs with the help of two fours and one six, Neser contributed handy 12 runs. 

Harry Conway was the pick of the bowlers for the Strikers, scalping three wickets for 36 runs. Peter Siddle and Cameron Boyce were also impactful with the ball, claiming two wickets each. 

Bazley's three-for derails the Strikers

Matthew Short's knock went in vain [Source: Twitter]

Chasing 155, the Strikers got a disastrous start, losing skipper Travis Head to Matthew Kuhnemann in the very first over. When Chris Lynn and Matthew Short were consolidating the innings, the left-arm spinner struck again, dismissing the former for a 24-ball 22. 

Although Alex Carey perished for two, Short, getting ample support from Adam Hose, kept the scoreboard ticking. However, soon, James Bazley weaved his magic, removing both in quick succession. He went a step ahead and registered a sensational three-for, getting rid of Ben Manenti in the 18th over. 

As if this wasn't enough, Colin de Grandhomme's run out was the final nail in the coffin for the Strikers, who finished on 137 for 9 in 20 overs, falling short of the target by 18 runs. 

Brief Scores

Brisbane Heat: 154 (19.3)
Marnus Labuschagne 46 (33), Matt Renshaw 25 (19);
Harry Conway 3/36, Peter Siddle 2/24

Adelaide Strikers: 137/9 (20)
Matthew Short 39 (30), Chris Lynn 22 (24);
James Bazley 3/30, Matthew Kuhnemann 2/26

Brisbane Heat won by 17 runs. 

Also Read: We love him: Alex Carey wants teammate Rashid Khan to continue playing for Strikers