Nathan McSweeney stars as Brisbane Heat claim thrilling last-ball BBL win over Adelaide Strikers

Nathan McSweeney bounced back from his Test to inspire Brisbane to a last-ball BBL victory over Adelaide with a brilliant unbeaten 78.

McSweeney was devastated to be left out of the Australian side for the Boxing Day Test, but the 25-year-old took the Heat home in an innings of composure and character on Sunday.

Brisbane spinner Mitchell Swepson hit the final delivery of the chase against Liam Scott for just one run more to secure a three-wicket victory, but the hero was McSweeney.

After being shocked by Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the Test series, he found himself in a high-pressure chase after the Strikers posted 6-174.

McSweeney claimed 16 runs in the second over of the surge, off Henry Thornton, and celebrated with a six off Matt Short in the next before guiding the Heat to victory.

“It’s a good feeling, no doubt,” McSweeney said.

“It’s always nice to contribute to a victory after an eventful week to say the least.

“It’s pretty simple, cricket – and batting in particular. Runs are a common occurrence and I’ll definitely have to put my head down, learn from my experiences and make some big runs. Hopefully I’ll be more than ready for my next opportunity (for Australia).”

McSweeney received a huge applause from the 23,681 fans at the Gabba when he arrived at the venue and initially played second fiddle to a frenzied Matt Renshaw.

Renshaw (54 off 27 deliveries) was in scintillating form with his elite placement, power and aim.

He bowled three sixes down the side and an assortment of exquisite cuts and drives before lobbing a Lloyd Pope delivery over his shoulder and then onto the stumps.

His partnership of 66 with McSweeney for the third wicket off just 39 deliveries saw Brisbane back in the game.

Earlier, Strikers pacer Thornton bowled Jimmy Peirson (eight) in his first over but then dropped a keeper at mid-wicket when Heat skipper Colin Munro skied one off Jamie Overton .

Thornton immediately made amends by cleaning out Munro (seven) with the first ball of his next over.

The Strikers’ English contingent of Ollie Pope and Overton fired with the bat to take the visitors to a competitive total.

Overton hit hard and often in those final overs during his unbeaten 45 off 24 deliveries.

At 196cm, the all-rounder has a long reach and immense power and he used both to put the hosts’ bowlers off their length and hit three sixes.

Pope (34 off 28), fresh from two half-centuries in the Test series against New Zealand, started with back-to-back boundaries against rookie seamer Tom Whitney before finding his way against McSweeney in the outfield.

Heat point guard Xavier Bartlett gave his team the perfect start by capturing D’Arcy Short (one) in the first round.

That brought former Gabba favorite Chris Lynn to the wicket and the former Brisbane champion opened his account with his 209th BBL six, a blistering shot to mid-wicket. Lynn (24) was well caught while attempting her 210th by Bartlett.

Impressive 22-year-old pacer Will Prestwidge (2-16) hit the field hard and collected the key wickets of Pope and Lynn.

PAA