BBL|15: Sam Curran and Steve Smith sizzle as Sydney Sixers cruise past Brisbane Heat by 5 wickets at The Gabba

An impressive all-round performance from Sam Curran helped Sydney Sixers record a comfortable five-wicket win Brisbane heat in match 40 of the 2025–26 Big Bash League at The Gabba. Chasing a target of 172, the Sixers reached 177/5 in 18.4 overs, with Curran starring with the bat after making key contributions with the ball.

Nathan McSweeney anchors Brisbane Heat’s innings amid regular setbacks

After Sydney Sixers won the toss and elected to bowl, Brisbane Heat were under pressure early on as wickets fell at regular intervals. Opener Usman Khawaja left cheap, while Jack Wildermut And Matt Renshaw couldn’t make an impact. Amid the collapse of the highest order, Nathan McSweeney stood tall with a composed 69 off 54 deliveries, anchoring the innings with eight boundaries.

McSweeney received brief support from Marnus Labuschagne And Max Bryantbut that’s what it was Michael Neser who provided the late impetus. Neser’s explosive 35 from just 14 balls, with five fours and two sixes, took Brisbane Heat to a competitive 171/9 at the end of their 20 overs.

The Sydney Sixers bowling effort was led by Mitchell Starcwho claimed four wickets despite 35 runs. Curran chipped in with two wickets, while Sean Abbott And Joel Davies took one each, preventing Brisbane Heat from taking full advantage of the batting-friendly conditions.

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Sam Curran leads a successful chase

The Sixers’ pursuit got off to a shaky start Babar Azam was fired for just one, but Steve Smith brought stability with a fluent 54 off 40 balls. Smith’s calm presence allowed the middle order to play freely Moises Henriques adding a useful 24.

The momentum swung decisively in Sydney’s favor as Curran took the lead. The left-hander hit 53 off 27 balls, including two sixes, and combined power with smart shot selection. Late cameos from Lachlan Shaw And Jack Edwards ensured there were no late hiccups as the Sixers crossed the line with eight balls.

For Brisbane Heat, Xavier Bartlett was the choice of the bowlers with two wickets, while Wildermut and Zaman Khan claimed one each. However, the total turned out to be slightly below par, especially on a good clubface at The Gabba.

Sam Curran Bags player of the match award ✨#SamCurran #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/GDR3wDZDq1

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 18, 2026

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