Brisbane Heat rookie Tom Balkin delivered a stunning final over to secure a dramatic seven-run Big Bash League victory over the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba on Saturday. The 21-year-old paceman, playing his first game in nine months, took two wickets in the 20th over after star recruit Shaheen Afridi limped off with a bruised knee.
Balkin, hitting speeds over 145 km/h, had Hassan Ali caught with his first ball, then claimed the wicket of Harry Nielsen with the penultimate delivery. His heroics helped the Heat defend a total of 180, despite a late charge from Strikers batter Jerrssis Wadia, who smashed 34 off 16 balls.
The win improved the Heat to 2-2 for the season, while the Strikers fell to 1-2. Rookie captain Xavier Bartlett was named player of the match for his 3-26, and spinner Matt Kuhnemann bowled economically, conceding no boundaries in his four overs.
Balkin, wearing number 95 as a tribute to Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars, overcame a stress fracture in his shin during the off-season to make his BBL debut. 'Just to be back on the field is great; it feels like longer than nine months,' he said after the match.
The Heat also suffered an injury to import Tom Alsop, who hurt his knee while batting and did not field in the second innings. Shaheen Afridi's knee injury will be assessed ahead of their next game.
