Brisbane Heats began their Big Bash League 2016/17 season in style by defeating Adelaide Strikers by 10 runs in a nerve-wracking game.
Chasing 207, Striker openers Jake Weatherald and Ben Dunk came out all guns blazing. They added 133 runs for the first wicket in only 67 balls to give the start their team needed to chase down the huge total. The partnership came to an end when Mark Steketee dismissed Weatherald. Ben Dunk was dismissed in the very next over after scoring 85 off only 43 balls but with the likes of Travis Head, Brad Hodge and Kieron Pollard present, he had set the platform for them to chase down the total. However, the batsmen failed to capitalise on the solid start as the Strikers eventually fell short by 10 runs.
Earlier, Brendon McCullum (42) and Jimmy Peirson (46) made a flying start for the Heats by adding 90 runs off only 49 balls for the first wicket. But Kieron Pollard dismissed both batsmen in consecutive balls to put a halt on Heat’s blistering start. However, Alex Ross, who plied his trade for the Strikers last term, scored 64 off only 36 balls to help his team post 206/5.
Here is how Twitterati reacted to the match:
GAME OVER | Strikers go down by 10 runs after some brilliant death bowling from the @HeatBBL.
Disappointing result, but what a match.
— Adelaide Strikers (@StrikersBBL) December 21, 2016
If @StrikersBBL don't beat @HeatBBL from here I'll push a peanut across the harbour bridge with my nose #BBL06 #strikeforce
— Sarah Jane Coyte (@sarahjanecoyte) December 21, 2016
This Jake Weatherald can really play @StrikersBBL @collinsadam @bowlologist
— Jamie Briggs (@BriggsJamie) December 21, 2016
Hurricanes already regretting trading Ben Dunk #BBL06
— Daniel Clarke (@danielclarke83) December 21, 2016
Can't believe we traded @bendunk51 #BBL06
— Ryan Essen (@ryanessen79) December 21, 2016
Jobs to do but Ben Dunk is giving an absolute masterclass in the #BBL06, can't tear myself away, roll on summer
— Will Wray (@theboywillywray) December 21, 2016
Highest BBL score at Adelaide Oval. Previously 189 – set twice #BBL06
— David Penrose (@David_Penrose) December 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/BBL06_/status/811513601785733120
WHAT. A. CATCH!
Pollard stopped a rocket in the deep! #BBL06 pic.twitter.com/vH1P9De6ax
— Haseeb Yaqub (@haseeb_speaks) December 21, 2016
We talk about the necessity of using the crease for a bowler but look at Alex Ross' usage of the crease. Just magnificent. #BBL
— Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (@ahsannagi) December 21, 2016
One of the Perfect Reflex Catches you would see ✌️??#KieronPollard you're simply amazing ?#ChrisLynn #BBL
— Bhavesh (@awesome_bhavesh) December 21, 2016
Jordan, Laughlin and Pollard bowled six short balls between them, which went for 5 runs. Richardson bowled 8 which went for 26. #BBL06
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) December 21, 2016
Kieron Pollard might be the Adelaide Oval's summertime Eddie Betts. #BBL06
— Ashley Browne (@hashbrowne) December 21, 2016
Whoever said the Heat would still be a bad side must be kicking themselves in the fish n chips now. HEAT ON FIRE.#BBL06 #TurnUpTheHeat
— Paul Persic (@Paul_Persic97) December 21, 2016
Brendon McCullum in BBL:
First 10 Balls: 3 Fours & 3 Sixes
Next 10 Balls: 9 Singles
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) December 21, 2016
Sometime he makes you think why he retired from International Cricket #BrendonMcCullum #Bigbash06
— The Nameless (@beermotorist) December 21, 2016
Man I love Brendon McCullum!! How good is this?!
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) December 21, 2016