Johnson, Brown steer Brisbane Heat to BBL trophy

Brisbane Heat speedster Spencer Johnson helped to elevate his facet to a second Big Bash League title on Wednesday, rising to the event and claiming a career-best 4-26 in opposition to Sydney Sixers who had been defeated by 54 runs within the season decider.

Sent in to bat on the Sydney Cricket Ground, Heat opener Josh Brown struck 53 to propel his facet to a aggressive whole of 166-8 from 20 overs which proved an excessive amount of for the Sixers, who folded for 112 all out with 15 balls remaining.

“I feel like we were the best team all year so I think we deserve to have the medal around our neck,” mentioned man-of-the-match Johnson.

“The Brisbane Heat have changed my life, it’s pretty special.”

Johnson and fellow paceman Michael Neser (1-15) stunted the Sixers’ run-chase by accounting for openers Jack Edwards (16) and Daniel Hughes (1) within the first powerplay.

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On a gradual pitch, wickets tumbled throughout the center overs and the Heat enthusiastically celebrated the departure of dwelling skipper Moises Henriques, caught for 25 off the bowling of Paul Walter (1-24).

Johnson concluded his spell with a caught and bowled to ship Hayden Kerr on his approach for six, earlier than Xavier Bartlett (2-12) sealed the victory with consecutive wickets within the 18th over.

Flying excessive after a blistering playoff-winning ton for the Heat in opposition to Adelaide Strikers, Brown survived two robust dropped catches within the deep as he hit three sixes in his fifty, in the end out lbw to retiring spinner Steve O’Keefe (1-26).

Matt Renshaw (40 off 22 balls) and Max Bryant (29 off 19) mixed for a half-century partnership to spice up the guests earlier than seamer Sean Abbott (4-32) helped shut out the innings with a triple-strike within the penultimate over.

“Another awesome year, we just couldn’t get over the line tonight,” mentioned Sixers vice-captain Hughes.

The Heat, which topped the standings throughout the common season, beforehand gained the BBL championship in 2013.