Brisbane shower heat on Melbourne as Renegades get knockout off BBL|12
Khawaja, Labuschagne shared a 47-run stand (Twitter)
Under Usman Khawaja's brilliant leadership skill, Brisbane Heat have advanced one step closer towards the silverware of the Big Bash League 2022-23. Now, they will play Sydney Sixers in the Challenger on Thursday.
If they pass the Sixers hurdle, they will play the defending champions, Perth Scorchers, in the grande finale.
In the Knockout, Melbourne Renegades, who finished two slots higher than the Heat, could only post a mediocre total of 162 for 5 - despite Shaun Marsh's unbeaten 53-ball 82.
Marsh's 82* challenges Brisbane
After asked to bat, the Renegades failed to capitalise on the advantage of batting first. They lost wickets in regular intervals. Heat's Xavier Bartlett and Michael Neser, like they have been throughout the season, were unplayable; as a result, no one except Marsh could do much with the bat.
The experienced southpaw batted throughout the innings for his 82 not out, where he tonked nine boundaries and two maximums, but got no real assistance from the other end.
Clinical Heat took game away with the bat
Just like in the last game against Sydney Thunder, the duo of Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne stood tall with the bat. On paper, Brisbane's opening partnership took them home; however, Melbourne could never give them any challenge with the ball.
Skipper Uzzy and Josh Brown shared a prolific stand of 75 off 53 deliveries, where they didn't give anything to Aaron Finch and company. Brown fell to David Moody, but from there Khawaja-Labuschagne took off, sharing a 47-run stand.
Both Khawaja and Labuschagne went back to the hut in quick succession, but another Matt Renshaw's cameo helped Brisbane cross the finishing line.
Brief Score
Melbourne Renegades - 162-5 (20)
Shaun Marsh 82* (53), Matthew Critchley 23 (18)
Xavier Bartlett - 3/18 (4), Michael Neser - 2/33 (4)
Brisbane Heat - 164-3 (20)
Usman Khawaja - 59 (47), Josh Brown 39 (27)
Tom Rogers - 2/33 (3.5), David Moody - 1/24 (3)
Result: Brisbane Heat won by 7 wickets.
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