The 59th T20 Knockout match of the KFC Big Bash League was fought between Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat at Manuka Oval, Canberra on 31 Jan 2021. Brisbane Heat won the toss and invited the opposition to bat first. Usman Khawaja and Alex Hales were sent as the opening pair to open for the Thunder. Xavier Bartlett got the responsibility to open attack with the new ball.
Sydney did not get a good start and had made only 22 runs for 1 wicket at the end of the first Powerplay. Alex Hales for 8 runs sent back by Steketee in the 4th over. After the dismissal, Callum Ferguson came to join Khawaja and both players struck 50 runs on the scoreboard at 7.2 overs. But once again, Marnus Labuschagne showed his form with the ball and took the wicket of Khawaja in the 9th over. Callum Ferguson tried to handle it but could not stay longer and had gone in the 12th over. The Thunder were struggling and it was difficult to make runs but some great shots by Ben Cutting at number 7 position helped Sydney to reach a total of 158 runs. Cutting struck quick and unbeaten 34 runs from 18 balls. Brisbane Heat needed 159 runs from 120 balls to win the match.
Joe Denly and Chirs Lynn were sent to chase the target from the Heat side. Adam Milne got the new ball to open the attack for the Thunder. Sydney got an excellent start as Brisbane had lost both openers at only 14 runs. Marnus Labuschagne and Sam Heazlett came on the crease to control the situation. But unfortunately, Labuschagne was run not at 70 runs total. Jimmy Peirson took the place of Labuschagne and showed great form with Sam Heazlett. Both the players well and achieved the target in 19.1 overs. Sam made unbeaten 74 runs from 49 balls and Peirson scored 23 runs from just 23 balls.
Brisbane Heat won the Knockout BBL 2020-21 season match by 7 wickets with 5 balls left. Sam Heazlett was the Man of the Match for his match-winning inning.
Check Stats - Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat Head to Head