Brown bashes Brisbane into BBL final
A RECORD-BREAKING knock from Brisbane Heat opener Josh Brown has seen his side defeat Adelaide Strikers by 54 runs in last night’s BBL|13 Challenger at Carrara Stadium. His belligerent 140 (57) is now the highest ever BBL finals score, and featured the most sixes in an individual BBL innings (12).
Brown reached triple figures in just 41 deliveries, making his century the equal-second fastest in competition history. His ton was also the first of the BBL|13 season, eclipsing the former high score (99*) set by recently departed teammate Colin Munro.
The 30-year-old’s exploits fully justified Brisbane’s decision to bat first, only a few days removed from being bowled out for 113 at the same venue. While Adelaide backed its spin duo of Lloyd Pope and Cameron Boyce, the Heat dropped leggie Mitch Swepson in favour of debuting batter Charlie Wakim.
All bar one of the Strikers bowlers – David Payne (2-17) – went the journey, leaking nearly 11 runs per over as Brown powered Brisbane to 7-214. He eventually fell to Payne, while Henry Thornton (1-34) picked up first drop Nathan McSweeney (33), who was the only other batter to reach double-figures.
Pope and Boyce picked up two wickets apiece to rip through the middle order, but the damage was already done. In response, the Strikers hardly stood a chance after Spencer Johnson dismantled their top three for figures of 3-20. Nathan McSweeney also filled his boots in the final over with 3-3.
Harry Nielsen (50 off 33) and Thomas Kelly (41 off 24) formed Adelaide’s only points of resistance, though the required rate proved too much in the face of consistent wickets. The Strikers were skittled for 160 with a single ball to spare, ending their remarkable run of five straight wins.
Having started the season at 1-4 and planted to bottom spot, Adelaide ended up making a terrific run to finals and knocked off Perth away in last week’s Knockout. The table-topping Heat will now go on to face Sydney Sixers at the SCG on Wednesday night, chasing their second BBL title.
HISTORY MADE
JOSH BROWN’S RECORD KNOCK – 140 (57)
– Highest score in BBL|13
– First & only century in BBL|13
– Equal-second fastest BBL century
– Highest ever BBL finals score
– Most sixes in an individual BBL innings (12)
SCORECARD
RESULT: Brisbane Heat won by 54 runs.
POTM: Josh Brown (Brisbane Heat)
BAT FLIP: Brisbane Heat won & elected to bat.
KEY PLAYERS
Brisbane Heat:
Josh Brown 140 (57), Nathan McSweeney 33 (29), Max Bryant 9 (5)
Nathan McSweeney 3-3 (0.5), Spencer Johnson 3-20 (4), Xavier Bartlett 1-30 (4)
Adelaide Strikers:
David Payne 2-17 (3), Lloyd Pope 2-39 (4), Cameron Boyce 2-50 (4)
Harry Nielsen 50 (33), Thomas Kelly 41 (24), Matt Short 19 (9)
Queensland repeats history to defeat ACT again
QUEENSLAND has made it two wins in the WNCL against the ACT in a week, this time downing the Meteors by six wickets. The Meteors were only able to make 168 before being bowled out, and Queensland was able to reach that target with ease in just under 22 overs. The ACT innings got off […]
McSweeney stars as Heat rises over Strikers
NATHAN McSweeney played a key role as Brisbane Heat successfully chased down the Adelaide Strikers’ 6-174 in their clash at The Gabba last night. Coming in at first drop, the axed Test batter served a reminder of his talent as he guided the chase expertly to finish unbeaten on 78 (49). McSweeney accelerated in the […]
Sutherland creates more history as Australia takes Rose Bowl Trophy lead
IN THE game against New Zealand on Saturday, Annabel Sutherland‘s star continued to rise as she made history to take the Australians closer to a Rose Bowl Trophy series win. Sutherland’s recent form has been sublime, but yesterday’s effort culminated in her becoming the first woman to hit two consecutive ODI centuries batting at number […]
Thunder blunders see Sixers snatch Sydney Smash
SYDNEY Sixers have continued their dominance of the Sydney Smash after taking out a final ball thriller at ENGIE Stadium last night. The magenta men required 15 runs of the final over to pass the set target of 164, and did so off the bat of Ben Dwarshuis as the Thunder proved their own worst […]
Bowler’s paradise sees Fire burn Meteors
SOME superb bowling paired with a star opening performance helped Queensland pick up a three-wicket win over the ACT. The Fire may have cut it fine when it come to their wickets lost tally, but they still reached the target of 153 in less than 21 overs. The fact that the Meteors found themselves at […]
Webb continues sublime form to exact revenge on Victoria
IT WAS another stunning display from South Australian batter Courtney Webb that was the match-winner, following up her century from Wednesday with an unbeaten 67. Coming in at first drop chasing 241 for the win, Webb’s knock was struck off 62 balls, taking her WNCL career total to 2000 runs. Her performance included eight sixes, […]
Strikers on the board thanks to unlikely heroes
ADELAIDE Strikers notched their first win of the Big Bash League (BBL) season after a pair of unlikely heroes stood up in either innings. The home side won by 15 runs at Adelaide Oval, successfully defending their 6-165 and consigning the Melbourne Stars to a 0-3 record. >> SCROLL to see the scorecard D’Arcy Short, […]
Riotous Renegades humble Hurricanes in Geelong
MELBOURNE Renegades have trounced the Hobart Hurricanes in a six-wicket victory at GMHBA Stadium, spearheaded by in-form import Tim Seifert. After his side skittled the ‘Canes for 74 on a bowler friendly pitch, the gloveman remained unbeaten on 37 (19) to help surpass the target in just nine overs. >> SCROLL to see the scorecard […]
Rain dampens Australia’s effort to pull ahead in Brisbane
A DRAW was played out over five days play in Brisbane, with rain marring Australia’s effort to pull ahead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The teams go into the sold-out first day of the Boxing Day test each with a game in hand after India took the first test in Perth, and Australia hit back in […]
