New Delhi: Big Bash League season 13 has finally reached its conclusion, as the season two winners, Brisbane Heat, after coming so close to the title in 2023, eventually ended their wait for a second title after 11 years, as they defeated the Sydney Sixers by 54 runs in the finals to lift the trophy.
Brisbane Heat, who were undefeated for the most part of the tournament, suffered back-to-back defeats against Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers to find themselves in Qualifier 2 against a team on a hot streak, i.e., Adelaide Strikers.
They brought the HEAT 🏆
Brisbane are #BBL13 champions! pic.twitter.com/QDrTMY01w8
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 24, 2024
However, Brisbane, despite losing their star players before the playoffs, played valiantly with the help of their bowlers and Josh Brown and not only got over the red-hot Strikers but also managed to hunt down the Sixers in the finals to win their second-ever Big Bash League silverware.
This is your moment, @HeatBBL. Champions of #BBL13 🙌 pic.twitter.com/43FmAwd1X0
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 24, 2024
As it Happened
Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers, the top two teams of the BBL 13, after league stages, were once again face-to-face with each other in the finals at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney.
Sydney Sixers skipper Moises Henriques won the toss and invited the Heat to bat first.
Heat stumbled in the start as they lost their first wicket in the form of Jimmy Pierson (4) in the very first over.
Qualifier 2 hero Josh Brown (58) and Nathan McSweeney (33) led Heat’s resurrection and added 86 runs for the second wicket.
6️⃣ 6️⃣ 4️⃣
Brown is flying at the SCG! 😮 #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/OMGRtM8rSW
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 24, 2024
Matt Renshaw (40) and Max Bryant (29) then played some big hits in the final overs to take the Heat’s innings to 166 for 8 in 20 overs.
That is huuuge, Max Bryant! #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/0RSTWB6AvQ
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 24, 2024
Sean Abbott was the most successful bowler for the Sixers with four wickets under his belt, while Steve OKeefe and Ben Dwarshuis took one wicket each.
Gooooonee! 💥
Abbott gets Peirson in the first! #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/qBja4p4ngp
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 24, 2024
In reply, the Sixers also found themselves in early trouble as they lost their openers inside 21 deliveries.
Michael Neser!
That’s a BIG wicket for the Heat as Hughes departs in the opening over. #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/zeTfMbMZjF
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 24, 2024
Josh Phillippe (23) and Moises Henriques (25) tried taking the Sixers back in the game, but Heat kept taking wickets at regular intervals in the end to pack the Sixer’s innings on 112 to register a huge 54 runs in the finals to win their second ever BBL trophy.
Lift it high, Brisbane 🏆
You’re the champions of #BBL13 👏 pic.twitter.com/jyMLcigHS3
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 24, 2024
Spencer Johnson led the Heat’s triumphant bowling unit in the finals with four wickets under his belt. Xavier Bartlett and Mitchell Swepson took two wickets each, while Paul Walter and Michael Neser took one wicket each.
BOWLED HIM! 💥
Edwards chops it on, and Johnson has his first! #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/gKRm49aoUb
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 24, 2024
Spencer Johnson was also named player of the match for his incredible bowling performance.
Spencer 👑
Your Player of The Final. #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/saEDxVXG0q
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 24, 2024
Check out the BBL 13 summary below:
What it’s all about! 🥰 #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/B0nNLOssOG
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 24, 2024
| S.no | Teams | M | W | L | NR | PTS | NRR |
| 1 | Brisbane Heat (WINNER) | 10 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 16 | +0.97 |
| 2 | Sydney Sixers (Runner UP) | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 14 | +0.33 |
| 3 | Perth Scorchers (Eliminator) | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 13 | +0.72 |
| 4 | Adelaide Strikers (Qualifier 2) | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 11 | +0.33 |
| 5 | Hobart Hurricanes (E) | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 8 | -0.26 |
| 6 | Melbourne Stars (E) | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 8 | -0.42 |
| 7 | Melbourne Renegades (E) | 10BBL | 2 | 6 | 2 | 6 | -0.28 |
| 8 | Sydney Thunder (E) | 10 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 4 | -0.65 |
