Heat Pull Off Record Chase to Beat Scorchers in BBL 2025-26

In a dramatic Big Bash League clash at the Gabba, Brisbane Heat staged a record-breaking chase to topple the Perth Scorchers. Two centuries powered Heat to a stunning eight-wicket win, rewriting the history books of the tournament.

Match Snapshot

Perth Scorchers 257-6 (20 overs): Finn Allen made 79 from 38 balls and Cooper Connolly added 77 off 37, as Heat's bowlers contained the late push.

Brisbane Heat 258-2 (19.5 overs): Jack Wildermuth struck 110 not out from 54 balls and Matt Renshaw hit 102 from 51, stitching a record 212-run stand for the opening wicket.

Heat won by eight wickets.

Chasing 258 at the Gabba, Heat opener Colin Munro fell first ball, but Wildermuth and Renshaw assembled a remarkable partnership that rewrote the record books for the competition.

Renshaw reached his maiden Twenty20 century off 48 balls but was eventually run out on 102 while attempting a tight second run due to cramps.

Wildermuth carried the tempo, reaching a century of his own off 46 balls, with Max Bryant supporting as Heat closed in on the target with nine needed off the final over, bowled by Aaron Hardie.

In a tense finish, Hardie failed to execute a possible run-out, and Bryant retired hurt on 28 after slipping while attempting a third run.

With two runs needed from two balls, Wildermuth cut to point, a misfield enabling a second run, and Heat finished 258-2, leaving the crowd roaring.

Two centuries in the second innings of a single Twenty20 match is a rarity, and this game marked the third-highest chase in all Twenty20 cricket. Both Renshaw and Wildermuth hit five fours and nine sixes in their big knocks.

"The message at the break was to trust our skills and backs ourselves," said Renshaw. "Strangely, I felt off in the indoor nets during the break, but the wicket was clearly good and the target reachable."

Captain Nathan McSweeney was unable to bat after injuring his ankle while attempting a catch earlier in the innings, adding to Heat's resilience.

The day’s total was a Big Bash record: 515 runs were scored across the match, and 36 sixes were struck between the teams.

After the Scorchers posted 257-6, thanks to Allen and Connolly, the chase stole the show and left Heat with two points and the Scorchers also on two, but Heat sitting higher on net run rate.

Expert commentary

Expert comment: The pace at which Heat converted their chances was extraordinary, turning a tense chase into a historic win. This is a milestone moment for Twenty20 cricket in Australia, showcasing power and nerve in equal measure.

Summary

Brisbane Heat produced a record-setting chase to beat the Perth Scorchers at the Gabba, led by centuries from Matt Renshaw and Jack Wildermuth. The innings featured a monumental 212-run stand and a dramatic finish. The result boosted Heat's standings while extending Scorchers' season challenges.

Key insight: Record-breaking chase underlines how in T20 cricket, big partnerships and late nerves can redefine a match. Read more at BBC Sport: BBC Sport

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