IPL 2024

BBL|15: Sam Curran, Steve Smith sizzle as Sydney Sixers cruise past Brisbane Heat by 5 wickets at The Gabba

By Sandy Verma

A commanding all-round performance from Sam Curran helped Sydney Sixers register a comfortable five-wicket win over Brisbane Heat in Match 40 of the Big Bash League 2025–26 at The Gabba. Chasing a target of 172, the Sixers reached 177/5 in 18.4 overs, with Curran starring with the bat after making key contributions with the ball.

Nathan McSweeney anchors Brisbane Heat innings amid regular setbacks

After Sydney Sixers won the toss and elected to bowl, Brisbane Heat found themselves under pressure early as wickets fell at regular intervals. Opener Usman Khawaja departed cheaply, while Jack Wildermuth and Matt Renshaw were unable to make an impact. Amid the top-order collapse, Nathan McSweeney stood tall with a composed 69 off 54 deliveries, anchoring the innings with eight boundaries.

McSweeney received brief support from Marnus Labuschagne and Max Bryant, but it was Michael Neser who provided the late impetus. Neser’s explosive 35 off just 14 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes, lifted Brisbane Heat to a competitive 171/9 at the end of their 20 overs.

Sydney Sixers’ bowling effort was led by Mitchell Starc, who claimed four wickets despite conceding 35 runs. Curran chipped in with two wickets, while Sean Abbott and Joel Davies picked up one each, ensuring Brisbane Heat were unable to fully capitalise on the batting-friendly conditions.

Also WATCH: Babar Azam’s heartwarming reaction after Steve Smith drops Nathan McSweeney’s catch in BBL|15

Sam Curran steer successful chase

The Sixers’ chase got off to a shaky start as Babar Azam was dismissed for just one, but Steve Smith brought stability with a fluent 54 off 40 balls. Smith’s calm presence allowed the middle order to play freely, with Moises Henriques adding a useful 24.

The momentum decisively swung in Sydney’s favour once Curran took charge. The left-hander smashed 53 off 27 balls, including two sixes, combining power with smart shot selection. Late cameos from Lachlan Shaw and Jack Edwards ensured there were no late hiccups as the Sixers crossed the line with eight balls to spare.

For Brisbane Heat, Xavier Bartlett was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Wildermuth and Zaman Khan claimed one apiece. However, the total proved slightly below par, especially on a good batting surface at The Gabba.

Also READ: Tactical genius or Team friction? Mitchell Starc weighs in on Steve Smith-Babar Azam drama in BBL|15

Sandy Verma 194 posts 0 comments
You might also like More from author

Comments are closed.