THE BIG Bash League has produced some absolute classic contests of late, and that trend continued on Monday night, when the Brisbane Heat claimed a nail-biting three-wicket victory over the Melbourne Stars at the MCG.

The Stars looked in control of the match for much of the game, but Heat opener Matthew Renshaw delivered a magnificent final over to cap off a marvellous performance at the crease. He was excellent all game, and was a deserving man of the match.

The Stars looked a strong chance to bowl Brisbane out before reaching the required total, but Renshaw put the team on his back and steered his side to a fourth victory, just one behind a spot in the top four. On the other hand, it was Melbourne’s ninth loss of the season, making a postseason appearance extremely unlikely.

The Heat won the toss and chose to send the opposition out to the crease early, backing their bowlers on an MCG pitch that had shown a bit of unpredictability in recent weeks. It was a move that looked to be a stroke of genius, with Joe Clarke bowled by Michael Neser for just four runs. Tom Rogers showed his class with a patient and composed knock at the top of the order, as did Beau Webster, but Neser continued to torment the Stars batsmen, firing for another three wickets. Nick Larkin‘s crucial performance in the middle order ensured the hosts got to a defendable score of 159, especially on a pitch providing so much movement.

Usman Khawaja and the Heat got off to a solid start at the crease, with the opener slicing some shots over cover for four in the first over. However, he and fellow opener Josh Brown were quickly dismissed, as was Marnus Labuschagne (thanks to a brilliant caught and bowled from Clint Hinchcliffe after the batsman’s shot was skied), and suddenly it was the Stars on top. Although, a road block presented itself in the form of Renshaw, who was not looking like giving up his wicket easily. He pushed the Heat within striking distance, but the order was still tall heading into the final over.

Brisbane needed nine runs, and the Stars trusted Webster with ball in hand. After delivering a wide on the first ball, he bounced back with a trio of dot balls to swing momentum back in his side’s favour. Suddenly, Renshaw and the Heat needed eight runs off the last three balls. After the Brisbane opener worked hard in tandem with Matt Kuhnemann to remain on strike, the equation was simple on the 119th ball; four runs from one ball. Miraculously, Renshaw was able to pull it off by stepping across his crease, flicking a ramp shot over the keeper that raced across the boundary, sealing a memorable victory for his side and finishing the match on 90 not out.

Renshaw was rightly named Player of the Match, but there were plenty of contributors for the winning side. Khawaja’s pair of boundaries set the tone for the innings, while with the ball, Neser was exquisite. He finished with figures of 4/25 from four overs, and almost got a hattrick for his troubles.

SCORECARD

RESULT: Brisbane Heat (7/160) def. Melbourne Stars (7/159)
POTM: Matthew Renshaw (Brisbane Heat)
TOSS: Brisbane Heat won the toss and opted to bowl

KEY PLAYERS

Brisbane Heat:
Matthew Renshaw (90), Jimmy Pierson (22)
Michael Neser (4/25)

Perth Scorchers:
Nick Larkin (58), Beau Webster (36)
Liam Hatcher (2/29), Adam Zampa (2/32)