Max Bryant and Xavier Bartlett lead the charge as Brisbane Heat record a thrilling win against Adelaide Strikers in BBL|15

Brisbane heat secured a nail-biting seven-point win Adelaide Strikers in the 13th game of Big Bash League (BBL|15) at The Gabba on December 27, 2025. Heat scored 179/9 in their 20 overs before Bartlett’s superb 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 strike sets goal against Adelaide Strikers

Heat’s innings started shakily in the powerplay and lost Jack Wildermut (1) and Colin Munro (14) asked to drop 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 still fell at 74/4 in the ninth over Max Bryant unleashed a blistering 63 off 38 balls – with four fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 165.79 – to propel Heat past the 100 mark by the 13th. His fifty came off 29 balls, anchoring a crucial 52-run stand Jimmy Peirson (13), taking the score to 150/6 despite the 16th over Hassan Ali‘s double strikes from Bryant and Xavier Bartlett (15).​

Bryant’s brilliant innings laid the foundation for Brisbane Heat, even if his dismissal led to late drama at the Gabba. Once Bryant fell for a fantastic 150, the Heat innings briefly lost momentum Shaheen Shah Afridi was fired cheaply and Jimmy Peirson was gone quickly. However, Matthew Kuhnemann And Thomas Balkin held their nerve in the end to push the total to a competitive 179 for 9, scored at an impressive run rate of almost nine per over. The Adelaide Strikers bowlers kept things tight during the middle overs, with Lucas Hout And Hassan Ali picking up two wickets each, while Matthew Short‘s economic spell exerted pressure. Despite the late stutter, Bryant’s impressive knock on a springy 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 a dramatic win for Brisbane Heat

In response, the Strikers got off to a flying start, racing to fifty in the powerplay without loss as Short attacked aggressively and combined with Chris Lynn for a smooth opening position. The momentum shifted in the eighth when Bartlett struck twice, removing Lynn with a sharp catch-and-bowled effort and dismissing Mackenzie Harvey for a duck, ending the chase. Short continued to dominate, pumping up a quick half-century and keeping the Strikers in the hunt as they crossed 150 by five wickets.

However, Bartlett returned at a crucial moment to sack Short, causing 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 excellent period, supported by key contributions from Jack Wildermut And Thomas Balkinsealed a thrilling win for Brisbane Heat and earned Bartlett Player of the Match honors for his all-round impact.

What a thriller🔥

– Brisbane Heat has the guts to defend 179 👏#BBL2025 #BrisbaneHeat pic.twitter.com/cqNpIQ15sx

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 27, 2025

Also READ: Sam Harper’s explosive tone ensures Melbourne Stars dominates win over Sydney Sixers in BBL|15