SIX VS HEA FINAL

Right then, Nathan McSweeney gets his hand on that illustrious trophy along with the coach and the team members get on the podium as well before celebrating wildly amidst the fireworks. What a fantastic season 13 of the Big Bash League we have had and we have seen plenty of individuals step up on the big stage. In the end, though, Brisbane Heat were the standout team and had the best bowling attack in the competition which more often than not, does prove to be decisive in big games and Finals. That is it then from us and we hope that you enjoyed our coverage of the BBL 2023-24 but there's still a lot more cricketing action to look forward to with a couple of big Test matches beginning on Thursday, 25 January. You can switch tabs and follow all the cricketing action. Until next time then, take care and goodbye!

Nathan McSweeney, the winning skipper of Brisbane Heat says that he feels fantastic to win and feels good to be there. Congratulates the Sixers and wishes Steve O'Keefe the best for his future. Appreciates the coaching staff, the team, and the players who are a part of the team but couldn't be present and thanks them for their valuable contributions. He then thanks the crowd too for showing up in large numbers and then proceeds to hold the Championship Trophy.

Next up, the players of Brisbane Heat are called up one by one in terms of their batting order and a few kids come up to hand the players their winning medals. Their coach is second last to collect his medal and stays on the podium before their young skipper, Nathan McSweeney gets on the podium and gets his winning medal and comes in for a chat.

Daniel Hughes, the vice-captain of Sydney Sixers says that Moises Henriques isn't up for it at the moment and has led the team very well. He starts by thanking the sponsors and goes on to applaud all the members and fans and says that the crowd has been brilliant throughout the tournament. He then congratulates Brisbane Heat and Nathan McSweeney for the way they played and then thanks his teammates for the way they played and it just wasn't meant to be. Hughes then gives special mention to Steve O'Keefe who has enjoyed a brilliant career and has been a big part of the Sixers' team.

Spencer Johnson is the Player of the Match for his scintillating bowling performance in the Final. He says that he is feeling special and he feels good to have made amends. He credits the Sixers for being a worthy opponent and appreciates his teammates for playing brilliantly. He also mentions that the Brisbane Heat franchise has changed his life in a positive way and gets a bit emotional in the end.

The Presentation ceremony...

Jimmy Peirson, the former skipper walks up to the mic and says that it is a special moment for him and the team. Adds that there have been some ups and downs but he is proud of the whole group.

Michael Neser is now down for a chat. Neser says that that last catch was just a reflex thing and he saw Paul in his peripheral vision. Adds that they have put in a lot of hard work and to lose last year was heartbreaking but they have been rewarded for their persistance.

The spin duo of Mitchell Swepson and Matthew Kuhnemann are up first for a chat. Swepson says that it feels like it has been a long time coming and they have dominated in the last two seasons and deserve it. Kuhnemann says that he is so happy for the boys and it is the best feeling ever. Swepson says that he has no idea how they are going to celebrate but it is going to be amazing.

Sydney Sixers are stalwarts of the Big Bash League and every now and then they go deep in the tournament but they do not have a great record in the Final as they have won three and have now lost four times in the summit clash. This could very well be the end of a couple of their veterans as Steve O'Keefe bows out and talismanic skipper Moises Henriques might not feature next season either. They have enjoyed a fruitful half a decade or so though. They were good up top with the ball as Sean Abbott and Jack Edwards bowled really well but couldn't manage things well in the middle overs and conceded far too many runs. They did pull things back late but it wasn't enough. With the bat though, it was a nightmare start as they lost prolific opener Daniel Hughes in the very first over. Josh Philippe couldn't get going and ended a frustrating season with another low score and so did Jordan Silk. The skipper, Moises Henriques did all he could but couldn't kick on much and after that it kept on going downhill. A sad end to another fantastic campaign for the Sixers. Let's now get a few quotes from the players of the winning team...

Brisbane Heat were the team to beat in the group stages and no one could achieve that feat until the last game when they lost to the Scorchers and then they also went on to lose the Qualifier against the Sixers. They lost key players at a crucial stage and seemed to be faltering at the wrong time but Josh Brown galvanized his side with that unreal 140 in the Challenger and they were able to bring their A-game in the Final. After a tough start with the ball, the skipper Nathan McSweeney and Josh Brown yet again came good for the Heat with Brown, the former bat-maker notching up another fifty. The likes of Max Bryant and Matt Renshaw too contributed and got them over the 160-mark. With the ball though, they showed why they are the best as young Spencer Johnson took a four-fer and answered all the critics that last season wasn't a fluke and he can deliver at the big stage. The spin duo of Mitchell Swepson and Matthew Kuhnemann bowled brilliantly as well and Xavier Bartlett closed things with a double strike. The fielding was top-notch and they will be ecstatic to have won the Final.

BRISBANE HEAT ARE BBL CHAMPIONS FOR A SECOND TIME! The 11-year drought is finally over for the Heat as they have clinched the title in style and what a final game they played, deserving champions. As for Sydney Sixers, they have failed to deliver in front of a home crowd and have faltered in the Final for a fourth time in 13 seasons.

OUT! TAKEN! Brisbane Heat are the winners of the Big Bash League! Xavier Bartlett has put the final nail in the coffin for the Sydney Sixers. Delivers it on a shorter length over off. Steve O'Keefe, in his last game, plays it with a flat bat but fails to clear the infield. The ball carries as far as mid off where the tall Paul Walter takes a good catch running backward. Brisbane Heat celebrate and they will be the rightful winners of the prestigious trophy and no doubt that they have been the best bowling attack throughout the season. Steve O'Keefe has to bid farewell on a sour note and departed for a duck.

Steve O'Keefe in his last game is the final man in for Sydney Sixers.

OUT! TAKEN! SENSATIONAL EFFORT AND BRILLIANT TEAM WORK! Xavier Bartlett sticks to the fuller length and on off. Sean Abbott lofts it high up in the night sky and it has almost carried beyond the ropes. Michael Neser runs it from long on and grabs the ball but loses his balance. He skids towards the boundary ropes and tosses the ball to Paul Walter who takes an easy catch. The umpires check and confirm that it is a legal catch and Michael Neser has shown brilliant athleticism in the outfield.

Oh, my word! Has Michael Neser pulled off a sensational effort in the Grand Finale? Surely not, right? That ball went about a mile high into the night sky and was landing around the long on fence. Neser kept his eyes on the ball and dived in to grab it. Neser seems to be sliding when he flicks the ball back in but his left hand might have touched the ropes while he tried to balance himself. The replays roll in and this is simply unbelievable as Neser has somehow managed to keep his hand centimeters off the ropes and his leg too as he flicked the ball back in. Paul Walter who came across from long off, stays aware and pouches it safely. OUT comes up on the big screen.

SIX! UP UP AND AWAY! Xavier Bartlett is welcomed back with a maximum. Delivers it full and on off. Sean Abbott picks it up well and the ball makes a sweet sound off the bat as it sails over the cow corner region for a biggie.