In Match No. 44 of the Big Bash League season 12, Melbourne Stars squared off against Brisbane Heat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, January 16.
Brisbane won the toss and elected to bowl first. The Stars managed to score 159-7 in their quota of 20 overs, with Mick Larkin top scoring with 58 off 36, including 7 fours and 1 six. Michael Neser was the standout bowler for the Heat, taking 4 wickets for 25 runs.
In response, the Heat got off to a strong start, with openers Max Bryant and Joe Denly putting on a 50-run partnership. However, the Stars fought back by taking quick wickets, reducing the Heat to 84-4 till the 12th over. But a brilliant knock from Matt Renshaw (90 not out off 56 balls, including 6 fours and 4 sixes), guided the Heat to a victory with 3 wickets in hand.
The Heat’s chase was led by the ‘Man of the Match’ Renshaw, who was able to hold his nerves and played a game-winning knock. His innings was filled with powerful shots and calculated risk-taking, which proved to be the difference between both the sides.
In the end, it was a nail-biting finish as the Heat secured a thrilling victory over the Stars on the last ball of the game.
What a finish!
It all came down to four required off the final ball! #BBL12 @BKTtires | #TheFinish pic.twitter.com/f14ZQyyFAr
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 16, 2023
Heat Win! 😤#BringTheHEAT #BBL12 #HeatWIN pic.twitter.com/x5tYoy0HFe
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) January 16, 2023
This win will give the Heat a much-needed boost in the points table, while the Stars will have to regroup and come back stronger in their next game.
