HEA VS THU T20S

Right then, that is it from this game and Sydney Thunder have been knocked out of the competition with Brisbane Heat moving on to play the Knockout on Sunday. Before that, we do have the Qualifier on Saturday, the 28th of January as the two top sides in the competition take on each other for a direct entry into the final. Perth Scorchers will be taking on Sydney Sixers in a high-octane clash beginning at 1.45 pm IST (8.15 am GMT) but our build-up will begin a lot sooner. Cheers!

Brisbane Heat skipper Usman Khawaja is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his terrific knock of 94 runs off just 55 balls. He says that he tried to bat deep and take it through the later half of the innings. Adds that he has batted here and is aware that it gets easy as the game goes on. Says he is glad about how they played and got themselves in a pretty commanding position. Adds that the shots are always premeditated and it’s a calculated risk. Says that they were gutted to end 5th instead of 3rd in the points table but the win is always pleasing. He then lauds the crowd and says how terrific it is and he always loves the Thunder nation. Concludes by saying that he is looking forward to playing Melbourne Renegades on Sunday.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Chris Green put Brisbane Heat into bat first as he looked to chase down on a ground where the dew factor does make a difference. Sydney Thunder started off on the right note with the ball and kept the Heat to a meager 64/1 at the halfway stage. But then, skipper Usman Khawaja decided to punish his former team and just went into 6th gear. Khawaja played scintillating shots as Marnus Labuschagne stuck around at the other end. Khawaja was dismissed for 94 but had done the damage. The Heat looked good to get 180 but then Marnus too upped the ante and a crucial cameo from Matt Renshaw meant they got over the 200-run mark. Skipper, Chris Green was the pick of the bowlers for the Thunder but unfortunately apart from Nathan McAndrew no one else supported him and their luck worsened when rain decide to play spoilsport in the chase but it really was their bowling that brought on the downfall.

With 204 needed to win, Sydney Thunder didn't get the best of starts as an unsettled Matthew Gilkes was sent packing by James Bazley who bowled really well. Then came the counter-punch from David Warner who hit a flurry of boundaries to end the Powerplay on a high. The spinners of Brisbane Heat then made sure that Warner wasn't able to get away and then came the rain which meant Warner was left stranded on 36* off 20 balls and the good work put in by the Heat's bowlers was enough to take them over the line.

It is official, no further play is possible and Brisbane Heat beat Sydney Thunder by 8 runs on the DLS method! The Heat will now play Melbourne Renegades in the Knockout on Sunday but it is heartbreak for the home side. With an engrossing chase unfolding, the rain Gods had the final say but the Heat have probably deserved the win after putting in an unreal batting performance.

UPDATE - 4.50 pm IST (11.20 am GMT) - Oh, no the rain is back! This is devastating news for Sydney Thunder as the official cut-off time for the restart is 4.55 pm IST (11.25 am GMT). It is getting heavier as well and this could be decisive. At first, just the pitch was covered but now more part of the field is being covered and it looks like it is all over for the Thunder. Stay tuned as we wait for official confirmation on the outcome of this game.

UPDATE - 4.40 pm IST (11.10 am GMT) - There is positive news coming from the ground as the rain has stopped and the covers are being peeled off. The umpires will now have an inspection and hopefully, we get a restart time soon. And, we also have the revised target - 90 runs off 9 overs which mean Sydney Thunder require 38 runs in 13 balls but won't be able to take the Power Surge. Play will restart at 4.51 pm IST (11.21 am GMT). Join us soon for the action.

UPDATE - 4.25 pm IST (10.55 am GMT) - The news from the ground is that it is still raining and this might turn out to be an extended delay. For now, all we can do is sit tight and hope the action can resume at the earliest. Stick around for more updates.

UPDATE - 4.05 pm IST (10.35 am GMT) - And, the players are off! It is really pouring down at the moment and the umpires have called for the covers to come onto the pitch. The DLS par score is 60 which means currently, Brisbane Heat are in front. Stay tuned for further updates.

Back of a length angling into the batter, David Warner is tucked up and misses on the flick.

Slower off-cutter on a length around off, Jason Sangha turns it wristly to short fine for one.

There is a drizzle out there in the middle. It has been going on for a few hours now but at the moment, the intensity has increased. Hopefully, it is just a passing shower.

Short ball around the right shoulder. Jason Sangha backs away from it and lets it go to the keeper.

Fuller on the pads, Jason Sangha chips it to the vacant mid-wicket region and takes two.

Michael Neser bowls a full-length ball on off. Jason Sangha uses hit feet and drives it to covers. Matt Renshaw dives to his right and saves it brilliantly

Michael Neser (1-0-6-0) is back on.

Flatter on off, David Warner tucks it with soft hands to the vacant mid-wicket region and scampers for another two.