The Sydney Sixers have stormed into the Big Bash League qualifier, powered by a dominant display from returning stars Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith. The star-studded line-up secured a five-wicket victory over the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba, setting up a blockbuster clash with the Perth Scorchers for a spot in the final.
Starc's Fiery Spell Sets the Tone
Choosing to bowl first, the Sixers' attack was immediately on song, led by a career-best T20 performance from Mitchell Starc. The left-arm speedster, playing in just his 12th BBL game, ripped through the Heat's top order, finishing with figures of 4-35 from his four overs. His trademark first-over wicket streak continued, dismissing Jack Wildermuth early.
The drama intensified when Channel Seven commentator Ricky Ponting suggested a tactical adjustment for Starc against the in-form Matt Renshaw. Ponting advised bowling wider on fourth and fifth stump. On cue, Starc delivered a scorching outswinger that clipped the edge, sending Renshaw back for a golden duck. "Just like that," Ponting remarked, praising the lethal late swing.
Despite Starc's brilliance, a late onslaught from Heat allrounder Michael Neser, who smashed 35 off just 14 balls, and a composed, unbeaten 69 from Nathan McSweeney lifted the hosts to a competitive total of 9-171.
Curran Seals the Chase After Smith Foundation
In reply, Steve Smith picked up where he left off from his century two nights prior. The opener provided a solid platform, scoring 54 runs from 40 deliveries before being bowled by the impressive Heat quick Zaman Khan. The loss of Smith during the power surge momentarily slowed the Sixers' momentum.
However, English allrounder Sam Curran stepped up to produce a match-winning performance. After contributing a valuable 2-37 with the ball, Curran turned the game with the bat, finishing 53 not out from a mere 27 balls. His explosive hitting, which began with two boundaries from his first two deliveries, guided the Sixers to their target of 177 with eight balls to spare, ending at 5-177.
"I thought Sam Curran batted beautifully," Smith said post-match. "He came out and his first two balls he hit for four. He was making a difference with his bat tonight and to get us through to the end, it was a great knock."
Road to the Final Runs Through Perth
The victory means the second-placed Sixers now travel west to face the Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier on Tuesday night. The winner of that match earns the right to host Sunday's BBL final. Smith acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "It's a big task going over there. They have been playing really well there and have been our arch-rival for some time now, the Scorchers."
For the Brisbane Heat, the loss confirmed their elimination from finals contention, marking their first defeat at home this season. The match also featured a moment of camaraderie between Smith and teammate Babar Azam, with the Pakistani batsman offering encouragement after Smith dropped a tough chance in the field, seemingly putting any prior on-field tensions to rest.
All eyes now turn to Perth, where the Sixers' big-name recruits will need to fire once more against the formidable Scorchers for a chance at BBL glory.
