In a clinical display, the Brisbane Heat secured their second KFC BBL title, shattering the hopes of 43,153 home fans with a resounding 54-run triumph over the Sydney Sixers at the SCG. Josh Brown, the big-hitting opener, played a pivotal role in this triumph, following up his record-breaking 57-ball 140 with another quickfire half-century, steering the Heat to their first championship in 11 years.
Brown, alongside skipper Nathan McSweeney (33), laid a solid foundation for the Heat after opting to bat first. The pair set the stage for success, and with a contribution of 40 off 22 from reserve Test squad batter Matthew Renshaw, the Heat posted a challenging total of 166 for the loss of eight wickets on a tricky surface.
Left-arm sensation Spencer Johnson emerged as the hero in the final, securing outstanding figures of 4-26, the best-ever in a BBL decider. Johnson’s remarkable bowling performance overshadowed the record set earlier in the evening by Sean Abbott (4-32), propelling the Heat to their second men’s Big Bash title.
The Sixers faced a rocky chase from the outset, as Michael Neser dismissed Daniel Hughes for just 1 run with a beautiful delivery that seemed away from the left-hander. Despite attempts by Jack Edwards and Josh Philippe to ignite the pursuit, Johnson’s bowling prowess dominated the proceedings. Edwards fell victim to Johnson’s delivery, bowled out in the first over, while Philippe succumbed to a mistimed pull shot in the second over, sealing the Heat’s comprehensive victory.
In a stellar performance, Spencer Johnson played a pivotal role in the Brisbane Heat’s triumph in the BBL|13 final, claiming four wickets and surpassing teammate Xavier Bartlett as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with a total of 19. Johnson’s impactful bowling, coupled with Mitchell Swepson’s crucial contribution of 2-19, dismantled the Sydney Sixers’ chase.
Swepson’s exquisite delivery led to the dismissal of Jordan Silk, who was stumped for a duck. The turning point came when Paul Walter removed Sixers skipper Moises Henriques for 25, placing the BBL trophy firmly in the Heat’s grasp. Michael Neser’s extraordinary outfield catch, flicking the ball behind his back while falling over the rope, added the finishing touch as the Sixers were bowled out for 112.
The match marked the end of Big Bash champion Steve O’Keefe’s illustrious career, concluding with a first-ball duck. The Sixers, seeking revenge from last season’s final-over loss, fell short, capping off an incredible campaign where they won their first seven home-and-away games.
Earlier in the evening, with Hughes stepping in for Henriques at the toss due to Covid-related reasons, the Sixers opted to bowl first. Sean Abbott struck early to dismiss Jimmy Peirson, who was asked to open once again. However, the cautious start from Josh Brown and Nathan McSweeney paved the way for Brown’s explosive innings, reaching his half-century and guiding the Heat to a formidable 166-8 at the halfway mark.
Despite the Sixers making breakthroughs with the wickets of McSweeney and Brown, the Heat’s dominant performance with both bat and ball secured their victory in the BBL|13 final.
Steve O’Keefe’s Farewell Spell and Sixers’ Triumph in BBL|13 Finals Journey
In a fitting farewell, Steve O’Keefe received a standing ovation from his devoted home supporters after delivering another outstanding four overs, concluding his Big Bash League (BBL) career with 99 wickets from 103 matches and an impressive economy rate of 6.65.
Max Bryant’s brisk innings of 29 off 19 balls and Matthew Renshaw’s contributions maintained the momentum for the Brisbane Heat. However, O’Keefe, the BBL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, showcased his prowess on the grandest stage, claiming three crucial wickets in the 19th over. His remarkable figures of 4-32 limited the Heat to a total of 166-8, with Renshaw finishing with a powerful blow on the second last ball to reach 40 from 22 balls.
The KFC BBL|13 Finals unfolded with captivating encounters:
1. The Qualifier: Sydney Sixers secured a 39-run victory against Brisbane Heat.
2. The Knockout: Adelaide Strikers triumphed over Perth Scorchers by 50 runs.
3. The Challenger: Brisbane Heat emerged victorious against Adelaide Strikers by 54 runs.
The grand culmination in The Final featured a clash between Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat, scheduled for January 24 at 7:15 pm AEDT at the SCG. The stage is set for an exhilarating finale in the BBL|13 series.
