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 to set up the 🥂Eliminator clash with Heat and got Hurricanes out of the race for playoffs.
Thunder vs Heat. Friday N꧃ight. 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 scor💮er 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 four༺s.
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 by 2 runs and kept themselves alive in the playoffs race. But the scenariꦚo changed after Stars faced a 3-wicket defeat from Thunder in the second match of theꦰ 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 shined with the ball, taking a couple of scalps while꧑ concedin꧂g 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 smash🤪ed 28 off 18, including three fours and a six, to get his side over the finish line and set up the Eliminator clash with Heat, scheduled to tak🧜e place in Sydney on Friday, January 27.
📈🔒
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL)
