BH vs SS

That brings our coverage for todays Big bash to an end.
Thanks for following along with us during the Sixers vs Heat game. There’s plenty more action to come in the following days.
This is Shahan Doctor, signing off alongside Darpan Tikiya. Goodbye.

Sydney Sixers chase down 172 to defeat Brisbane Heat by five wickets in a high-scoring contest.

Batting Highlights (Sydney Sixers):
Steven Smith 54 (40) | Sam Curran 53* (27) | Moises Henriques 24 (20)
Bowling Figures (Brisbane Heat):
Xavier Bartlett 2/32 (3.4) | Michael Neser 1/34 (4) | Zaman Khan 1/21 (3)

Chasing a competitive target of 172, the Sixers recovered well after an early setback to take control through Steven Smith, who anchored the innings with a composed half-century. Smith found support from Moises Henriques in the middle overs, ensuring the required rate remained manageable.

Sam Curran then took charge of the chase, producing a powerful unbeaten knock to swing momentum decisively in the Sixers’ favor. With clean hitting and smart shot selection, Curran finished the game alongside Lachlan Shaw, guiding Sydney to victory with eight balls to spare.
Earlier, Brisbane Heat posted 171/9 on the back of a measured 69* from Nathan McSweeney and a blistering late cameo from Michael Neser. However, the Sixers’ depth and composure in the chase proved decisive, sealing a well-earned five-wicket win.

Sam Curran is the Player of the Match. He says, "I got a little bit nervous when Smith got out. A little bittersweet as I am leaving in the morning for my England duty. It was my first time at the Big Bash League. Sixers are a fantastic franchise to be a part of. But I will be watching. I spoke to my brother (Tom Curran), who has played a bit for the last four years here. It helped that I knew a few people. I have played with a couple of boys at Surrey. Smith's calmness and skill is amazing. Starc is wonderful to play with. I hope they can win against Perth and go straight to the final. (On the upcoming T20WC) Nothing bigger and better than playing a World Cup for England. Hopefully, I can have a good tournament."

What a hit! And with that the Sixers have won this game ! Essential contributions from Sam Curran and Steven Smith have sent the starts into The qualifiers. 

18.4 Xavier Bartlett to Jack Edwards, SEALS IT WITH A SIX! Again, short in length, at the body, it sat up just below chest height. Edwards was ready for it. He unleashed a ferocious pull to send the ball sailing over backward square leg. Sixers win with 8 balls remaining and finish at the second spot on the points table. They will now face Perth Scorchers in The Qualifier. 

18.3 Xavier Bartlett to Lachlan Shaw, CONSOLATION WICKET! Back of a length, outside off. Shaw stood with a frim base and wanted to pull it towards midwicket. Perhaps, there was some extra bounce on that one. Hence, he only connected with the top edge of the bat. Keeper Peirson had ample time to move to his left and then grab it.

A six and a four from Shaw has almost secured the win now. Just 1 run needed for the Sixers now. They will be delighted with how things have played out today.

18.2 Xavier Bartlett to Lachlan Shaw, PUMMELLED FOR SIX! Shorter than the last one, off stump line. Shaw was quick to spot it. He cleared his front leg and then whacked it over long-on. Scores level!

18.1 Xavier Bartlett to Lachlan Shaw, SLICED FOR FOUR! Good length delivery outside off, from over the wicket. Shaw hung back and then sent it racinfg to the backward point boundary.

2 overs to go now. A half century from Sam Curran has put the Sixers in a very comfortable position to get the victory at the Gabba. Very important over in the game 11 runs needed from 12 balls now.

17.5 Matthew Kuhnemann to Sam Curran, SLOG SWEEP! MAXIMUM! Curran has a half-century! Lobbed up outside off on a fuller length. He crouched and then slammed it over cow corner.

17.4 Matthew Kuhnemann to Lachlan Shaw, VALIANT EFFORT! Saves three runs. Length ball at the stumps. Flat-batted towards long-on, where Renshaw dived to his left to stop it. 

17.3 Matthew Kuhnemann to Sam Curran, flat trajectory, angled away to outside off on a length. Curran brings out a measured version of the same shot and picks one run before long-on mops up.

17.2 Matthew Kuhnemann to Sam Curran, BASEBALL SWISH! SIX! Length ball at the off pole. Curran was waiting for it with his front leg out of the way. He then smoked it over midwicket.

17.1 Matthew Kuhnemann to Lachlan Shaw, full ball hurled at the stumps from around the wicket. Deft glance towards deep midwicket fetches one.