Heat win nail-biter to set up finale date with Scorchers
Neser remained unbeaten on 48 [Twitter]
Brisbane Heat survived a mini-heart attack to beat Sydney Sixers by 4 wickets in the Challenger of the Big Bash League on Thursday. As a result of this win, they have stormed into the finals and will collide against a formidable looking Perth Scorchers.
Despite a valiant effort by the Sixers' bowlers, the target of 117 was a bit too less for them to defend.
Kuhnemann restrict the Sixers
The slowish nature of the surface worked in favour of Brisbane Heat bowlers, who utilised it to perfection. With no Steven Smith in the side, as he joined the Aussie camp for the Test match preparations, Sixers struggled for runs at the top.
The top three - Kurtis Patterson (19), Josh Philippe (16), and Daniel Hughes (23), got the start, but failed to convert it into a big total. Once the wicket dried up, Matthew Kuhnemann worked his magic and was the chief destroyer with the ball.
He grabbed 3 crucial wickets, and was amply supported by Xavier Bartlett (3 wickets), as the duo hardly gave any freebies and the Sixers could only muster 116 on the board.
Heat almost makes a mess of the chase
Chasing a paltry 117, it was expected that Heat will chase it down easily. But Sixers had some other plans. Once the 30-run opening stand was broken between Sam Heazlett, and Josh Brown, wickets started to tumble at regular intervals. At one stage, Heat were 5 down for 56, and stared at the doorway to defeat.
But Michael Neser, known more for his bowling skillset, showed his worth with the bat and scored a match-winning 48 off 32 to steer the Heat out of the jail. He remained unbeaten and that was the difference between the two sides.
Brief Score
Sydney Sixers: 116-9 (20)
Daniel Hughes 23 (24), Kurtis Patterson 19 (14);
Matthew Kuhnemann 3-17 (4)
Brisbane Heat: 117-6 (18.2)
Michael Neser 48* (32), Josh Brown 20 (18);
Sean Abbott 1-13 (4)
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