The Sydney Sixers slumped to a dramatic collapse as they stumbled to 5 for 47 after nine overs while chasing a modest Brisbane Heat total at C.ex Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour.
The Heat had earlier posted 9 for 114 from their 20 overs after being sent in. It looked below par on a dry surface, but the Sixers never settled and lost wickets in a rush.
Babar Azam’s stay was brief. The Pakistan star managed just two runs from seven balls before edging a sharp chance. Tom Balkin flew to his right to take a stunning diving catch, handing Oliver Patterson his first wicket of the night.
Josh Philippe followed moments later. He was caught behind by Jimmy Peirson for a first-ball duck, again off Patterson, who suddenly found himself on a hat-trick.
Daniel Hughes offered brief resistance. He struck two boundaries in a run-a-ball 15 before edging to the gully, giving Xavier Bartlett his first breakthrough. Jordan Silk struggled for timing and was bowled for six by Matt Kuhnemann, who then struck again with his next delivery. Jack Edwards was caught at slip for a golden duck, leaving the Sixers in deep trouble.
Heat recover after collapse
Earlier, the Heat endured a mixed innings of their own. Jack Wildermuth provided early intent, smashing two huge sixes in the third over, one of which sailed out of the ground. He added two fours in a brisk 31 from 17 balls before Sean Abbott bowled him with a fine delivery.
The innings soon unravelled. Lachlan Hearne was trapped lbw for one. Matt Renshaw fell for two, Max Bryant for three, and Nathan McSweeney was caught behind after making 11. The Heat lost five wickets for 23 runs in a sharp collapse.
Jimmy Peirson added 10 before Abbott pinned him lbw with a pinpoint yorker. Xavier Bartlett and Matt Kuhnemann both fell cheaply, while Hugh Weibgen top-scored with a patient 23 before being run out late in the innings.
There was a moment of sportsmanship that stood out. With the Heat struggling, Kuhnemann was late to take guard after a wicket fell. The Sixers appealed for a timed-out dismissal, but captain Moises Henriques withdrew it, allowing play to continue.
“It’s been an absolute shocker from the Heat,” former Australia batter Mike Hussey said during the broadcast, moments before the Sixers’ own batting troubles began.
With finals places on the line, the match underlined the pressure both sides are under as the Big Bash season enters its final stretch. What looked like a chase well within reach quickly turned into a fight for survival for the Sixers under the Coffs Harbour lights.
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