Heat heads north hunting for finals position
SAMMY-JO Johnson has had a day out at the Gabba for the Brisbane Heat.
The Heat cantered past the Melbourne Stars in less than 10 overs in their WBBL clash at the Gabba yesterday afternoon.
The player of the match took 3-12 on Thursday in an unplayable new-ball spell that helped to dismiss the Stars for 88. And the all-rounder made light work of a tricky run chase on a lively pitch, belting two sixes in a 14-ball 30 as the Heat won with 11.2 overs remaining.
The victory keeps the Heat (8-5) in third spot, two wins clear of the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers who have played one less game.
The Heat are due to play the Sydney Thunder on Saturday in Cairns at Cazalys Stadium before semi- finals begin later this month.
Melbourne were chasing their tails from the first ball when Johnson’s out- swinging delivery had Lizelle Lee caught behind.
The Lismore product took two more wickets in a devastating three-over spell that left the Stars reeling at 3-14.
South African Mignon du Preez topscored for the seventh-placed Stars with 27 from 35 balls through the middle overs.
Their innings continued to splutter until the final over, when Delissa Kimmince (4-18) took three wickets to end their innings abruptly.
Brisbane Heat will play at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns for the first time, taking on Sydney Thunder under lights on January 12, their last regular season game before playing WBBL finals. It marks the first time WBBL has been played in Far North Queensland, with the venue having hosting International and domestic men’s matches.