Big Bash League 4: Match 9 report

Brisbane Heat record their first win of Big Bash League 4 after taking down Melbourne Stars by the thinnest of margins. Apart from the big hitting, the highlight of the match was also some classic swing bowling and Maxwell’s bizarre dismissal.

In this tough and thrilling match, Brisbane Heat’s innings had their highs and lows. They lost their opener Jimmy Pierson in the third over. Chris Lynn started his innings in top fashion by hitting two consecutive fours. Though he was scoring at a quick pace, there was very little help from the other end as Christian and Milenko got out early. After that, Hastings dismissed Lynn for 48. Reardon and Cutting accelerated Heat’s innings and brought them closer to a competitive total. At the end of 20 overs, Heat were 164 with the loss of 8 wickets.

Stars innings faced an early blow when Cameron White was caught behind on the 5th delivery of the first over. Glenn Maxwell came to the crease replacing him to face Ryan Duffield. He danced down the pitch on the very first ball and then just watched as the ball hit the stumps which was one of the weirdest dismissals one has ever witnessed. David Hussey also got out cheaply for 9. At the half way stage the scoreboard read 59/4. Heat were cruising to victory. James Faulkner provided some stability to Stars innings and kept them in hunt. Quiney retired hurt to the dug outs, but came out after Falkner and Hastings returned to pavilion. 37 were required of the last two overs. Heat were in the driving seat, following which Quiney got going and hit 20 runs in Flintoff’s over. 16 off 6 balls now and we were on for a nail biting finish. Quiney muscled Duffield for a six and brought the equation down to 7 off 3. After a couple of singles it was 5 off the last ball. Duffield bowled a juicy full toss but Quiney miscued it and managed only 3 and Heat won the match by 1 run.

It was Stars’ third straight loss. Ryan Duffield was given Man of the Match award for his amazing swing bowling and 3 wickets.

Brisbane Heat 164/8 (Lynn 48, Faulkner 2-26)

Melbourne Stars 163/7 (Quiney 45*, Duffield 3-28)