BRISBANE: An unbeaten seventh-wicket partnership between Max Bryan and Xavier Bartlett led the Brisbane Heat to a massive four-wicket win over leaders Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (PBL) 2025-26 at the Brisbane Grounds on Friday.
Chasing a tough target of 196, the side were reduced to 133/6 in 15.4 overs after successive dismissals of captain Nathan McSweeney (43), Matt Renshaw (41), Hugh Weibgen (one) and Jimmy Pearson (14).
Following the breakdown, Bryant teamed up with Bartlett and the duo turned the game around with a flurry of offense.
Bryant top-scored with an unbeaten 48 off 26 balls, while Bartlett scored an unbeaten 21 off 9 balls.
Peter Siddle and Mitchell Swepson took 2 wickets each and Tom Curran and Harris Rauff took 1 wicket each for the Stars.
Batting first, the Stars posted an impressive total of 195/6 in the stipulated 20 overs thanks to the combined efforts of their batsmen.
Captain Marcus Stoinis scored 43 off 35 balls, opener Sam Harper and middle-order batsman Blake MacDonald scored 37 each, while Campbell Kellaway and Hilton Cartwright scored 29 and 26 respectively.
Thomas Balkin took two wickets for the Heat while Matthew Kuhneman, Oli Patterson, Bartlett and Renshaw took one each.
The thrilling win lifted Brisbane Heat to fourth in the PBL 2025-26 standings as they have six points after six matches, while Melbourne Stars remain at the top with eight points from a game.