Nathan McSweeney has responded perfectly to his Test axing by scoring an unbeaten 78 runs to help Brisbane Heat register a nail-biting 3 wicket win over Adelaide Strikers in a final-ball thriller. McSweeney played the role of an anchor at the start of the innings. The right-hander then switched to power-hitting mode leading his side to victory. McSweeney who did not do well in the opening three matches of the Border Gavaskar Series was dropped for the Boxing Day Test with Sam Konstas.
Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers match highlights
After winning the toss, Brisbane Heat opted to bowl first. The Adelaide Strikers lost D’Arcy Short (1 off 3) early. Matthew Short (13 off 12) and Chris Lynn (24 off 21) tried to stabilize the innings, but consistent breakthroughs from the Brisbane Heat bowlers kept the visitors in check.
Ollie Pope (34 off 29) and Alex Ross (20 off 15) rebuilded Strikers innings before Jamie Overton’s explosive knock of 45 off 24 balls, took the Strikers to a competitive total of 174/6 in their 20 overs. James Bazley also smashed a quickfire 23 off 11 balls giving the Strikers a chance to put up fighting total on board.
For Brisbane Heat, Will Prestwidge was the standout bowler, picking up 2 wickets for just 16 runs in his 2 overs. Tom Whitney (1/27) and Paul Walter (1/26) also chipped in with crucial wickets.
Chasing 175, Brisbane Heat did not have a great start to their innings. Colin Munro (7 off 10) and Jimmy Peirson (8 off 6) failed to provide an explosive start at the top leaving the hosts at 18/2.
However, Nathan McSweeney responded to his test axing by scoring an unbeaten 78 off 49 balls, which included 10 boundaries and 2 sixes. Matt Renshaw was the other top scorer with 54 off 27 balls. The 105-run partnership between the duo for the third wicket laid the foundation for the victory.
