SCG was the host of the big game between Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat on Thursday. It was a close and pulsating game as the men from Brisbane won the game and made it to the finals. The match though saw its fair share of drama as well, as far as umpiring is concerned. The crowd assembled at SCG saw a low scoring game but it was a thriller from start to finish.
Joshua Phillipe survives a close call the first time –
26 year old left arm spinner Martin Kuhnemann was bowling to Joshua Phillipe. The incident in question happened in the 1st ball of the 7th over. Phillipe went for a sweep and the Brisbane bowlers and fielders went up for an appeal. Captain and wicket keeper Jimmy Pierson went up for the DRS. The 3rd umpire though asked the on-field umpire to stay with his original decision and ruled it not out.
Third umpire shocks everyone with a change of heart –
Brisbane players were in for a shock as Phillipe got ready to play the next ball. There was more drama in store though. The 3rd umpire had a change of heart and went to re-check and found spike in the bat. The third umpire then changed his own decision as Phillipe was given out caught behind for 16.
What a review from Brisbane!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 2, 2023
The lbw was ruled out due to a little spike - but Jimmy Peirson held the catch! #BBL12 pic.twitter.com/jifHTMorW3
Sydney Sixers crawl to 116 from their 20 overs –
Brisbane Heat bowlers kept up the heat on the Sixers on a pitch where batting was difficult. Kurtis Patterson scored 19 as the top scorer was Daniel Hughes who scored 23. Hayden Kerr with 16 and Jordan Silk’s 10 helped sixers score 116 from their 20 overs. Kuhnemann and Spencer Johnson were the lead wicket takers with 3 wickets each.
Sixers bowlers make a comeback –
Sydney Sixers made the Heat sweat it out as they reduced the visitors to 56/5 in the 11th over. Sam heazlett and Josh Brown began well with 13 and 20 respectively. Brisbane slid from 31 for none to 56/5 as the sixers bowlers made a valiant comeback to give themselves a chance to win.
Michael Neser turns hero for Brisbane –
Australian All rounder, Michael Neser scored 48* off 32 balls with 7 fours as he took his Heat side to a famous win. First Max Bryant kept him company to add 30 runs for the 6th wicket. James Bazley then scored 2* off 10 balls as Heat won the game by 4 wickets to spare to make it to the finals.