The 49th T20 match of the KFC Big Bash League was played between Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat at Docklands Stadium, Melbourne on 23 Jan 2021. Brisbane Heat won the toss and made a decision to bat first. Chris Lynn and Max Bryant were on the crease to open for the Heat. On the other hand, Josh Lalor got the new ball in hand.
Both the openers gave a nice start and had made 33 runs without any loss at the end of the first mandatory Powerplay. Brisbane Heat had made 50 runs in 5.4 overs. Chris Lynn showed his great form and had made 52 runs from 30 balls. After getting a good start, the Heat lost both openers in the 8th over. That was the nice comeback by Renegades into the game. After losing two quick wickets, Labuschagne at the number 3 position played well and kept the Heat alive. Labuschagne handled the situation and made 49 runs from just 31 balls. Finally, Brisbane Heat had put 173 runs on the scoreboard. Melbourne Renegades got a challenging target of 174 runs from 120 balls. Zak Evans was the most successful bowler for Renegades and took 3 important wickets in the match.
Shaun Marsh and Aaron Finch were all set to chase the target. The new ball was handed over to Xavier Bartlett. That was not a good start for Renegades as the team lost the first wicket of Finch at the score of 14 runs only. After the dismissal, Sam Harper came to join Marsh but Marsh could not stay longer on the crease and had gone in 7.2 overs. Melbourne needed a partnership but no batsmen except Sam Harper performed well and the entire team bowled out at 147 runs in 18.4 overs. Harper tried well to save the match and made 57 runs from 32 balls but he did not get enough support from other players.
Brisbane Heat won the 49th BBL match of the season 2020-21 by 26 runs and Labuschagne was the Man of the Match for his match-winning inning.
Stats - Melbourne Renegades vs Brisbane Heat Head to Head