Discarded test opener hits back as Heat downs Thunder

JOE Burns was back among the runs following his axing from the Australian Test side to score 52 and carry the Brisbane Heat to victory against the Sydney Thunder.

Burns, who was out for just one in his first Big Bash game since being dropped last week, enjoyed a fine 90- run partnership with Englishman Joe Denly ( 50) to set up the win.

Burns — the Heat’s top scorer — hit 52 off 62 balls including four fours and two sixes as the Heat won by five wickets.

“It was nice to see the ball go through the gap and go away. I was a little disappointed not to get the not out. It would have boosted my season average from 2 to about 6,” he said with a wry grin.

“It will be nice to have a celebratory drink. I haven’t had one for a few weeks.”

The Heat has now won three of its past four. Star hitting machine Chris Lynn hit 30 — including two sixes — as he made his way back from a hamstring injury. The platform for this victory, though, really came in Brisbane’s work with the ball in hand.

Heat restricted the Thunder to 8- 174 after a masterclass from Afghani spin sensation Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Mujeeb caught two, bowled two of his own and was involved in a valuable run- out.

The first was perhaps the most notable, a catch of tUsman Khawaja after just two balls with the 19- year- old Mujeeb claiming him at short fineleg for a duck.

Captain Callum Ferguson then joined Alex Hales and the right- handers combined for a second- wicket stand of 77, with Hales hitting three fours and three sixes.

But once Hales innings ended on 46, the Thunder struggled to post a big total