Winning the toss and opting to field first proved to be a smart decision for the Brisbane Heat, as the Short duo failed to deliver during the powerplay. However, Chris Lynn’s 24 and Ollie Pope’s 34 helped stabilize the innings, followed by Alex Ross’ quickfire 20 off 15 balls and Jamie Overton’s brilliant 45* off 24 balls, which pulled the Strikers out of trouble.
James Bazley supported Overton with a valuable cameo of 23 runs, taking the visitors to a total of 174/6 after 20 overs.
In reply, Henry Thornton was relentless with the new ball, removing openers Colin Munro and Jimmy Pierson early in the powerplay. However, Nathan McSweeney bounced back from his poor form in the ongoing Test series against India, with Matt Renshaw providing support from the other end.
Together, they guided the hosts to 85/3 from a precarious 19/2, before Renshaw, who scored a blistering fifty at a strike rate of 200, was dismissed. Max Bryant fell soon after in the twelfth over, but Paul Walter anchored the innings while McSweeney played some stunning strokes, adding 55 runs for the fifth wicket. Walter was dismissed in the 17th over, caught and bowled by Matt Short, with the score at 150/5.
With 26 runs needed from the last three overs, the hosts managed to score 20 runs off the next two, leaving them requiring just a run-a-ball off the final over. A dot ball and a wicket followed, but Mitchell Swepson gave the strike back to McSweeney, who needed four off three balls.
"He's nearly hit the stumps with his leg!"
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 22, 2024
Bit happening here… #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/R8AOzUho54
McSweeney took a couple of runs off Liam Scott before a single off each of the last two balls sealed the thrilling victory for the Heat, who triumphed over the Strikers in a nail-biting finish.
Oh yeah, Buddha! 🔥
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 22, 2024
That is some shot from Nathan McSweeney. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/7eOnR5nINP