HEAT CRASH TO SIXERS

A SEAN Abbott-led Sydney Sixers have romped to a nine-wicket Big Bash League win over the under-pressure Brisbane Heat at the SCG last night.

The Sixers chased down the paltry target of 74 in 10 overs with Daniel Hughes (39), Joe Denly (19) and Nic Maddinson (17) guiding the home side over the line.

The Sixers have strung together three straight victories and their fans might be questioning where this form has been after they opened the season with six successive losses. Conversely, the Heat, which was without strike weapons Chris Lynn (calf) and Joe Burns (groin), faces an uphill battle to make the top four after a bright start to 2017-18.

After stumbling to the franchise’s lowest total and third smallest in BBL history, it sits behind the fourth-placed Melbourne Renegades on net run rate. However, the Renegades have two games in hand before the two sides meet in the final round.

The Heat was in trouble from the outset when skipper Brendon McCul- lum was dismissed for one in the second over and it never recovered.

The Sixers’ bowlers ran riot with Alex Ross topscoring with 15 and the Heat managing only six boundaries as it was dismissed inside 17 overs.

After being overlooked for the oneday international series against England, Test spinner Nathan Lyon sent another message to national selectors about his ability with the white ball, taking 2-17. Allrounder Abbott caused headaches for the Heat throughout the innings, producing good pace and bounce to finish with figures of 4-11.