The last day of the league stage saw two thrilling matches in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2022-23. Firstly, Hobart Hurricanes defeated Brisbane Heat in a low-scoring contest to keep their final hopes alive. But all the effort went in vain after Syndey Thunder got the better of Melbourne Stars 𝕴to set up the Eliminator clash with Heat and got Hurri♋canes out of the race for playoffs.
Thund🐟er vs Heat. Friday Night. Sydney Showground Stadium! Tickets on sale tomorrow 💚⚡️
— Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL)
In the 55th match of BBL|12, Hurricane struggled to put runs on the board after being asked to bat first as they were only able to reach 120/9 in their 20 overs. Macalister Wright was the top s༒corer for his side with 56 runs off 56 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six.
For the Heat, pacer Michael Neser came up with a strong performance, picking up a 4-wicket haul for 35 runs. Spencer Johnson also contributed with 2 wickets for 20 runs. In reply, Heat were unable to chase down the target, finishing at 118/8 in their 20 overs. Jimmy Peirson was their top 📖scorer, with 39 runs off 37 🌳balls, including 4 fours.
For the Hurricanes, Nathan Ellis produced a standout performance with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 26 runs. Faheem Ashraf also contributed with 2 wickets for 19 runs. The Hurricanes ultimately won the match b♍y 2 runs and kept themselves alive in the playoffs race. But the scenario changed after Stars faced a 3-wicket defeat from Thunder i💖n the second match of the day.
😢
— Hobart Hurricanes (@HurricanesBBL)
After opting to bowl, Thunder restricted Stars for 119/7 in 20 overs, with Usman Qadir picking up three wickets for 24 in his quota of 4 overs. Captain Chris Green also sh♛ined with the ball, taking a couple of sca☂lps while conceding 19 runs in 4 overs.
Job done! ⚡️
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL)
In the chase, Thunder kept losing wickets at regular intervals, but they still survived and managed to grasp the victory. Daniel Sams smashed 28 off 18, including three fours and a six, to get hi🍰s side over the finish line and set up the Eliminator clash with Heat, scheduled to take place in Sydney on Friday, January 27.
📈🔒
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL)
