game ape BBL 2024-25: Nathan McSweeney Powers Brisbane Heats To Beat Adelaide Strikers By 3 Wickets

Nathan McSweeney in action.Photo: X | Big Bash LeagueNathan McSweeney in action.Photo: X | Big Bash League

Nathan McSweeney played a spectacular knock, smashing an unbeaten 78 off 49 balls, including ten boundaries and two sixes, to lead the Brisbane Heat to victory over the Adelaide Strikers by 3 wickets in Match 9 of the Big Bash League 2024-25 on December 23, Monday. (More Cricket News)

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for Brisbane Heat fans, who had nearly given up hope of victory. However, Nathan McSweeney rose to the occasion, carrying the team on his shoulders to secure their second win of the season and maintain their unbeaten streak.

The India-Pakistan hockey rivalry has lost its sheen in recent times. Hockey in Pakistan has been in a freefall for the last decade or so while Indians have made a tremendous comeback in the same time period. The two countries used to rule world hockey at one point and the seeds for it were sown during the British rule in India.

The team led by Ammad Butt, finally secured their first victory with a 2-1 win over Japan and then delivered a decisive 5-1 win against China, to enter the semi-finals. Their final pool match ended in a narrow 2-1 loss to India.

Asked to bat first, the Adelaide Strikers posted a total of 174/6, with none of their batters managing to reach a half-century. Jamie Overton was the only standout performer with the bat in the first innings, scoring a quickfire 45 off 24 balls to anchor their innings.

Will Prestwidge took two wickets, while Xavier Bartlett, Paul Walter, and Tom Whitney claimed one each for Brisbane Heat.

Chasing 173, Henry Thornton led the Adelaide Strikers' attack, dismantling both openers of Heat -- Colin Munro (7 off 10) and Jimmy Peirson (8 off 9). But, he missed Nathan McSweeney who was enough to turn the tides.

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Matt Renshaw anchored the innings with a quickfire 54 off 27 balls. However, the rest of the Brisbane Heat lineup struggled, with most batters falling for single-digit scores. Only Paul Walter managed a notable 19 off 15 balls.

Nathan McSweeney held his nerve in a nail-biting finish, scoring the winning run on the last ball with one needed. This marked the first successful chase of over 150+ at the Gabba in the BBL, ending a streak of 11 unsuccessful attempts.

Earlier, Heat had played just one game against Melbourne Stars and managed to win that while the Strikers have a mixed record. Led by Matthew Short, Strikers lost their first match in a dramatic fashion but bounced back in their last game to defeat Melbourne Stars.

Now, the Brisbane Heat will take on Perth Scorchers on December 26game ape, Thursday, while the Adelaide Strikers will face Hobart Hurricanes on December 27, Friday.