Nathan McSweeney made an emphatic return following his exclusion from the Test squad, leading Brisbane Heat to a thrilling last-ball victory over Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL).
McSweeney’s unbeaten 78 demonstrated remarkable composure and resilience, guiding the Heat to chase down a target of 175 for a three-wicket victory at the Gabba.
The 25-year-old, who described himself as “devastated” after being dropped from Australia’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad, scored a decisive strike under immense pressure.
The chase ended dramatically, with spinner Mitchell Swepson hitting Liam Scott’s final ball to seal the victory.
McSweeney, who faced criticism for his struggles against India’s Jasprit Bumrah during the Test series, rose to the occasion.
He stood out during the power swing, scoring 16 runs against Henry Thornton and following up with six against Matthew Short.
Their efforts were met with thunderous applause from the 23,681 fans in attendance.
Initially playing second fiddle to Matt Renshaw, McSweeney turned the tide after Renshaw’s scintillating knock of 54 off 27 balls.
Renshaw displayed elite form with precise positioning and powerful strokes, including three sixes and a series of exquisite cuts and drives. His dismissal, via a self-inflicted ricochet off a Lloyd Pope delivery, ended a crucial 66-run partnership with McSweeney.
Batting first, the Adelaide Strikers scored 174 for 6 thanks to contributions from their English stars Jamie Overton and Lloyd Pope.
Overton, unbeaten on 45 off 24 balls, used his immense power to punish the Heat bowlers in the death overs, hitting three sixes.
Pope added 34 off 29 balls, starting aggressively with consecutive boundaries against rookie seamer Tom Whitney before falling to McSweeney in the outfield.
Strikers striker D’Arcy Short was dropped early by Heat pacer Xavier Bartlett, who also represented former Gabba favorite Chris Lynn.
Lynn managed 24 runs, including his 209th BBL six, but was unable to attempt another maximum.
Will Prestwidge, the Heat’s 22-year-old pacer, impressed with figures of 2 for 16, claiming the crucial scalps of Lynn and Pope.
Bartlett also shone, giving the Heat an ideal start to the ball.
