BRISBANE Heat have secured top spot and a home Qualifier final in BBL|13 after a roaring win against Perth Scorchers last night. Michael Neser starred with bat, ball, and in the field as his side took out the 23-run victory in front of a raucous crowd at the Gabba.

Neser’s barnstorming 64* off just 30 balls saw the Heat rise from 5-91 to a formidable 6-191 as he blasted seven boundaries and three maximums – including three in the final over. He also got the job done with the ball, taking 2-33 (4) and gloving a terrific diving catch in the deep to remove Josh Inglis.

Having won the bat flip, Brisbane elected to bat first and make the most of service from returning internationals Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne. The former managed 14 off eight deliveries, while the latter held firm for an important 45 (33).

English keeper Sam Billings also chimed in with 37 off 21, combining with Neser in an 80-run stand for the sixth wicket. Meanwhile, Ashton Agar was again the pick of the Scorchers’ bowlers, claiming 2-29 off his four overs as his side’s seamers were later dispatched to all parts of the Gabba.

In reply, Perth failed to build a partnership of over 50 runs despite each of the top four batters achieving starts. Inglis managed 28 (20) before Neser’s effort in the deep, leaving import Laurie Evans as the only hope remaining. He top-scored with 51 (29) but had too much ground to make up.

Brisbane’s pace attack turned up the heat late on, skittling much of the lower order with the final four wickets falling for 16 runs in the space of 21 deliveries. With the required run rate mounting, the Scorchers simply couldn’t keep up and the pressure resulted in wickets.

The complexion of Brisbane’s side will now change completely, much like in BBL|12, with key internationals set to depart. Khawaja, Labuschagne, and Matt Renshaw will join the Australian Test team, while Billings and Colin Munro are also expected to depart before finals.

A return leg against the Scorchers in Perth is all which faces the Heat to round out the regular season. Meanwhile, Perth has another home game against the Sixers to decide its fate within the top four. Two wins would secure second spot for the team searching for an unprecedented third-straight title.

SCORECARD

RESULT: Brisbane Heat won by 23 runs.
POTM: Michael Neser (Brisbane Heat)
BAT FLIP: Brisbane Heat won & elected to bat.

KEY PLAYERS

Brisbane Heat:
Michael Neser 64* (30), Marnus Labuschagne 45 (33), Sam Billings 37 (21)
Spencer Johnson 2-23 (4), Xavier Bartlett 2-29 (4), Paul Walter 2-30 (3)

Perth Scorchers:
Ashton Agar 2-29 (4), Jason Behrendorff 2-45 (4), Lance Morris 1-25 (3)
Laurie Evans 51 (29), Josh Inglis 28 (20), Sam Whiteman 16 (16)

Totals:
Heat – 6-191 (20)
Scorchers – 9-168 (20)