Brisbane Heat suffered the worst 10-wicket collapse in Big Bash League (BBL) history to lose a game they seemingly had sewn up against Melbourne Renegades at the Gabba.
There are few things more demoralising in T20 cricket than being marmalised by a Chris Lynn Powerplay assault, though finally dismissing him only to see AB de Villiers walk into replace him must come close. After being smashed for 41 in 15 balls of Lynnsanity as Brisbane Heat racked up 84-1 in the first six overs, the game looked done, with over half the 165-run target knocked off. Melbourne Renegades’ poor form – they won just one of their first 10 games – looked set to continue.
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After de Villiers knocked a couple, his and Matt Renshaw’s dismissals in consecutive balls gave Melbourne Renegades hope, but as Sam Heazlett passed his half century and Brisbane Heat eased past three figures, any nerves seemed to have been soothed. What followed his dismissal was little short of incredible.
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In 15 balls of pure carnage, Brisbane Heat lost seven wickets for seven runs, sliding from 113-3 to 120 all out and a 44-run defeat. Chief architect of their downfall was legspinner Cameron Boyce, who claimed 4-15 in his four overs. It took his overall BBL haul against Brisbane Heat to 21 wickets, the most any player has taken against a single team.
Melbourne Renegades are already out of playoff contention, but this will come as a blow to Brisbane Heat’s hopes of making the latter stages.