Brisbane:
Brisbane Heat pulled off the biggest run chase in Big Bash League (BBL) history on Friday night, overhauling a daunting 258 target against Perth Scorchers in a 515‑run spectacle at the Gabba that produced a record 36 sixes.
Scorchers Set the Bar High
Batting first, Perth Scorchers posted 257 for 6, briefly the second‑highest total in BBL history. Their innings was powered by Finn Allen (79 off 38) and Cooper Connolly (77 off 37), who combined for a 142‑run second‑wicket stand in just 64 balls, striking 14 sixes between them.
Xavier Bartlett led Heat’s bowling with 2 for 44, while Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed 1 for 49. Despite their efforts, all five Heat bowlers conceded more than 11 runs per over.
Heat’s Historic Response
Heat’s chase began shakily when Colin Munro fell to Jhye Richardson on the first ball. Momentum shifted when Richardson dismissed Matt Renshaw on 20, only for the delivery to be ruled a no‑ball. Renshaw capitalized, blasting 102 off 51 balls, while Jack Wildermuth anchored the innings with an unbeaten 110 off 54.
Together, the pair added a record 212‑run partnership, the highest for any wicket in BBL history as Heat stormed home to 258 for 2 with one ball to spare, winning by eight wickets. It was the first time in BBL history that two centuries were scored in a single run chase.
Records Rewritten
- Target of 258: highest successful chase in BBL history (previous record 230).
- Third‑highest successful chase in T20 cricket overall.
- Both teams hit 18 sixes each, setting a new BBL record of 36 in a match.
- Aggregate of 515 runs: first 500‑plus total in BBL, sixth instance in men’s T20 where both sides scored 250+.
Drama and Setbacks
The night was not without drama. Heat captain Nathan McSweeney injured his ankle while dropping a high ball and did not bat, while Max Bryant retired hurt with a shoulder injury during the chase. Scorchers captain Ashton Turner also dropped Wildermuth on 42, a costly reprieve that proved decisive.
Result:
Brisbane Heat 258/2 (Renshaw 102, Wildermuth 110*) defeated Perth Scorchers 257/6 (Allen 79, Connolly 77) by 8 wickets.