Spencer Johnson has delivered at the death again, producing a tight final over to deny the Melbourne Stars victory and keep Brisbane Heat’s finals hopes alive in another dramatic BBL finish.
Heat duo Jimmy Peirson and Sam Hain have dragged their side from 4/80 at the 12 over mark to an impressive total of 4/188.
Peirson (57) and Hain (73) entered the crease and had a big task on their hands after three of the top four batsmen couldn’t manage more than 10 runs.
Brisbane’s English import Hain led the way, belting four sixes and four boundaries to lead the charge, while Peirson found the rope five times.
MATCH CENTRE: Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars live scores, teams, highlights
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Hain and Peirson belted 133 from only 79 balls in a stunning partnership as the Brisbane side keep their finals hopes alive — smashing 108 off the final eight overs.
Josh Brown, Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne all failed, while Usman Khawaja performed solidly with 24 from 18 balls.
Brisbane were desperate for Labuschagne to deliver at the Gabba, after he was handed a chance to make the Stars pay.
Beau Webster dropped the Test gun early in the innings from a catch that was labelled a “sitter” by Fox Cricket’s Dan Ginnane.
“Dropped, enormous put down… Webster puts down what he would surely put down as a sitter,” Fox Cricket’s Dan Ginnane said.
“Beautiful delivery, Beau Webster, Tasmanians would say he has the safest hands in the state,” Fox Cricket’s Kerry O’Keeffe said.
Labuschagne only faced two more balls before his scooped a Luke Wood delivery into the air, allowing Nathan Coulter-Nile to take a simple catch, failing to capitalise on his chance.
PRE-MATCH WRAP
The Heat will be looking to continue their surge into the finals series, hoping to add to their three-win streak against the Stars.
Brisbane stole an emphatic victory in this clash only six days ago, and now the two sides are set for a huge rematch.
Test gun Matt Renshaw was the star for the Heat, scoring 90 off 56 balls to chase down the Stars’ 7/160, playing a perfect ramp on the final ball to win the game.
MATCH CENTRE: Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars live scores, teams, highlights
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The Heat have since gone on to beat the Hurricanes, with Michael Neser’s 3/27 stealing the show in the death.
Meanwhile, Melbourne have had a season to forget and currently sit dead last, two wins behind the 7th placed Hobart side.
Joe Clarke has led the way with the bat for the Stars, scoring 346 runs with an average of 31.45, while Luke Wood has spearheaded the bowling attack with 17 wickets.
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