Khawaja Guides Heat Home as Warner Injury Compounds Thunder’s BBL Woes

Brisbane Heat tightened their grip on the Big Bash League playoff race with a seven-wicket win over Sydney Thunder at the Gabba, a night that summed up the contrasting trajectories of the two sides. While Heat cruised home with time to spare, Thunder were left nursing another defeat, and fresh concern over the fitness of their captain.

Warner Holds Thunder Together Amid Chaos

Sydney’s total of 180 for 6 looked competitive on a placid surface, largely because David Warner once again carried the batting. The opener extended his rich run of form with a fluent 82, pacing the innings smartly after Thunder were put under pressure early. Warner found gaps with ease, punishing anything short, and appeared set for another century before a freak sequence brought his knock to an abrupt end.

Moments earlier, Warner had been struck heavily on the left knee while attempting a sweep, the blow forcing him to retire from the field later in the evening. The injury then played a role in his dismissal, run out after a misjudged second run following a dropped catch in the deep. Sam Billings hesitated, Warner turned back late, and the Thunder skipper was stranded well short. With Warner unable to return to the field, Chris Green took over captaincy duties for the remainder of the match.

Khawaja and Heat Cruise with Authority

Thunder added late runs but never truly broke free, and Brisbane’s chase reflected the calm assurance of a side in control of its season. Jack Wildermuth set the tone early, launching Wes Agar for three sixes and a four in a brutal opening burst. His 39 from just 15 balls gave Heat momentum before Tanveer Sangha produced a sharp outfield catch to end the cameo.

The innings was then shaped by Usman Khawaja, playing his first match since retiring from Test cricket days earlier. He looked entirely at ease, striking 78 with trademark precision and timing. His third-wicket stand of 93 with Matt Renshaw drained the pressure from the chase, Khawaja piercing the off-side while Renshaw rotated cleverly and finished unbeaten on 42.

When Khawaja finally fell with victory assured, the Gabba crowd rose as one, applauding both the innings and a career that has spanned nearly two decades at the top level. Renshaw ensured there were no late stumbles, steering Heat home with 22 balls unused.

Earlier, Renshaw also impressed with the ball, claiming 2 for 29 with his off-spin to disrupt Thunder’s middle overs. The result leaves Brisbane firmly entrenched in the finals picture, while Sydney’s season continues to unravel, now shadowed by uncertainty over their captain’s knee as the tournament enters its decisive phase.