• Brisbane Heat edged past Adelaide Strikers by 7 runs in a thrilling BBL|15 encounter.

  • Xavier Bartlett was adjudged Player of the Match for his exceptional all-round performance.

Max Bryant and Xavier Bartlett lead the charge as Brisbane Heat clinch thrilling win against Adelaide Strikers in BBL|15
Max Bryant and Xavier Bartlett lead the charge as Brisbane Heat clinch thrilling win against Adelaide Strikers in BBL15 (Image source: X)

Brisbane Heat secured a nail-biting seven-run win against Adelaide Strikers in the 13th match of Big Bash League (BBL|15) at The Gabba on December 27, 2025. Heat posted 179/9 in their 20 overs before Bartlett’s stellar bowling restricted Strikers to 172 in 19.5 overs. The match showcased high-octane T20 action, with Heat climbing to third on the points table.​

Max Bryant’s explosive batting sets target against Adelaide Strikers

Heat’s innings kicked off shakily in the powerplay, losing Jack Wildermuth (1) and Colin Munro (14) early to slump to 35/2 after four overs, but Matt Renshaw‘s aggressive 33 off 21 balls, including two fours and two sixes, steadied the ship.

Renshaw fell at 74/4 in the ninth over, yet Max Bryant unleashed a blistering 63 off 38 balls—featuring four fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 165.79—to propel Heat past 100 by the 13th over. His fifty came off 29 balls, anchoring a crucial 52-run stand with Jimmy Peirson (13), pushing the score to 150/6 by the 16th over despite Hasan Ali‘s twin strikes of Bryant and Xavier Bartlett (15).​

Bryant’s brilliant innings laid the foundation for Brisbane Heat, even though his dismissal sparked late drama at the Gabba. Once Bryant fell for a superb 150, the Heat innings briefly lost momentum as Shaheen Shah Afridi was dismissed cheaply and Jimmy Peirson was run out in quick succession. However, Matthew Kuhnemann and Thomas Balkin held their nerve at the end to push the total to a competitive 179 for 9, scored at an impressive run rate of nearly nine an over. Adelaide Strikers’ bowlers kept things tight during the middle overs, with Luke Wood and Hasan Ali picking up two wickets each, while Matthew Short’s economical spell applied pressure. Despite the late stutter, Bryant’s commanding knock on a bouncy surface ensured the Heat had enough runs to defend under lights.​

Also READ: BBL|15: Tim David’s injury sours Hobart Hurricanes’ win over Perth Scorchers

Xavier Bartlett’s bowling seals dramatic win for Brisbane Heat

In reply, the Strikers got off to a flying start, racing to fifty without loss in the powerplay as Short attacked aggressively and combined with Chris Lynn for a brisk opening stand. The momentum shifted in the eighth over when Bartlett struck twice, removing Lynn with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort and dismissing Mackenzie Harvey for a duck, halting the chase. Short continued to dominate, bringing up a rapid half-century and keeping the Strikers in the hunt as they crossed 150 with five wickets down.

However, Bartlett returned at a crucial moment to dismiss Short, triggering another collapse. The lower order struggled under pressure as wickets fell regularly, and despite a late push, the Strikers fell short, finishing on 172. Bartlett’s outstanding spell, supported by key contributions from Jack Wildermuth and Thomas Balkin, sealed a tense victory for Brisbane Heat, earning Bartlett the Player of the Match award for his all-round impact.

Also READ: Sam Harper’s explosive ton powers Melbourne Stars to a dominant win over Sydney Sixers in BBL|15

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About the Author:
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on , , and .