In a thrilling encounter at The Gabba, Brisbane Heat outclassed Sydney Thunder by five wickets in Match 25 of the Big Bash League 2024-25. A scintillating knock by Max Bryant and a disciplined bowling performance ensured a crucial victory for the Heat as they successfully chased down the target of 174 with seven balls to spare.
David Warner shines amid Sydney Thunder’s struggles
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Brisbane Heat put up a commendable performance with the ball, restricting Sydney Thunder to 173/8 in their 20 overs. Spencer Johnson was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3/39 in his four overs. Michael Neser and Matthew Kuhnemann supported him well, picking up two wickets each. Sydney Thunder’s innings was anchored by skipper David Warner, who smashed 50 off 36 balls with seven boundaries. Despite small contributions from Daniel Christian (23 off 15) and Tom Andrews (13 off 6), the Thunder fell short of posting a more challenging total.
Max Bryant’s heroics seal the deal
In reply, Brisbane Heat got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets, including Colin Munro (23 off 25) and Nathan McSweeney (7 off 9). However, Matt Renshaw steadied the ship with a composed 48 off 33 balls, which included four boundaries and two sixes. The star of the evening, though, was Bryant, who played a match-winning innings of 72 off just 35 balls. His knock, studded with seven fours and four sixes, turned the tide in Brisbane’s favor.
Also WATCH: Spencer Johnson cleans up David Warner with a beauty in the Big Bash League 2024-25
Sydney Thunder’s bowlers struggled to contain the Heat’s aggressive approach, with Wes Agar conceding a costly 61 runs in 3.5 overs. Lockie Ferguson stood out with figures of 2/21, but his efforts weren’t enough to derail Brisbane’s chase. Bryant’s sensational batting earned him the Player of the Match award, a fitting recognition for his heroics under pressure.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Max Bryant is such a clean hitter of the ball everytime I watch him.
Has been consistent enough to deserve a place in T20 Australia side 🔥pic.twitter.com/NjsFvesJWD
— Classic Mojito (@classic_mojito) January 6, 2025
72 runs.
35 balls.
11 boundaries.Max Bryant just went BIG for the Brisbane Heat! #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/tNZbm3hUCV
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 6, 2025
Matured innings with brilliant Shots all over. Well Played Max Bryant 💙pic.twitter.com/nR32ve2Y4M
— 🎰 (@StanMSD) January 6, 2025
The most cleanest hitter of this league
Max Bryant 👌❤🔥pic.twitter.com/rZMM9LZaTv— ✨ Sid ✨ (@imsid_vasu) January 6, 2025
Mass Batting raa
Max Bryant💥💥 pic.twitter.com/jcHVj5bfVL— sunny 𝕏🗿 (@itssunny4545) January 6, 2025
Its about time Max Bryant gets a go in the Australian team … Has been performing really well for Heat the last 3-4 years and he is by far better than Stoinis and David who just arent consistent enough
— Faaris (@Faaris_KW22) January 6, 2025
■ 72 runs
■ 35 balls
■ 11 boundariesMax Bryant went big for Brisbane Heat #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/oWHVETfONq
— M. (@IconicAussies) January 6, 2025
MAX BRYANT SMASHED A 106M SIX IN THE BBL. 🤯🔥pic.twitter.com/iGUAuKwtV2
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 6, 2025
It’s been a long time coming for Max Bryant, but the talents always been there. Hopefully the start of something big for him. Always thought he was an Aaron Finch clone.
— Wok (@Wokwokwok2222) January 6, 2025
Heat has beaten thunders in BBL 14.
Max bryant scored 72 for 35. #bbl14 pic.twitter.com/nDl6AzSS10— Sajjad Hussain (@Turi10Sajjad) January 6, 2025
Also READ: Tim David’s fireworks against Adelaide Strikers hand Hobart Hurricanes their 4th consecutive win in BBL 2024-25
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