Max Bryant helps Brisbane Heat to first win in five BBL matches

Max Bryant has propelled the Brisbane Heat to their first win in five matches in the Big Bash League, striking 72 runs from 35 balls to defeat the Sydney Thunder by five wickets in Brisbane on Monday.

The Thunder batted first and racked up the runs quickly thanks to a half-century by veteran David Warner (50 from 36).

Turns out the opener’s score was the best contribution a Sydney batter would make, with Dan Christian’s 23 runs from 15 balls being the next best score.

Spencer Johnson took three wickets, and the Thunder made 8/173 from their 20 overs, edging marginally ahead in live cricket betting odds.

In response, Brisbane struggled initially, losing three wickets inside the first 8.2 overs and meandering along at close to a run a ball.

Following a decision to take their power surge in overs 11 and 12, Matt Renshaw (48 from 33) and Max Bryant combined for a brilliant 108-run partnership that took the Heat to within 23 runs of their target.

While Bryant fell and was soon followed by Tom Alsop (9 from 6), Renshaw carried his bat to see the home side to victory with seven balls to spare.

When asked about the Heat’s sudden acceleration in the middle overs, player of the match Bryant explained his thinking.

“Yeah, we just need to go at 12 per over there for the last 10 overs, and I think me and Matty Renshaw had to get it done there,” he said.

“Renshaw batted exceptionally as well.

“I think we needed to change the momentum there, and we did that.

“The middle-order role clarifies it and simplifies my game.

“I need to come in and score a quick raid or knock the ball around trying to take the team over.

“So I think it simplifies my game, and yeah, it seemed to work.”

Brisbane has scraped into the top four on the BBL table following the victory, with three wins, three losses, and one no result from their seven matches.

Big Bash bookmakers have the Heat at $7 to win the title this season, on the fifth line of betting behind the Sydney Sixers ($3.50), Hobart Hurricanes ($4.50), Sydney Thunder ($6.50), and Perth Scorchers ($6.50).

Next up, they face the Adelaide Strikers on Saturday, where they are rated at $1.91 to claim victory.

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