Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Brisbane Heat batsman Chris Lynn equalled the record for the fastest Big Bash League (BBL) half-century as his side went on to dump the Hobart Hurricanes out of the tournament.
Even though Hurricanes all-rounder Shoaib Malik scored 42 runs and took three wickets, his side still lost by 18 runs.
Hurricanes captain Tim Paine would have been pleased with his decision to bowl first early on as Heat opener Joe Burns was caught behind off the bowling of Ben Hilfenhaus for one run.
Lynn and Peter Forrest made up for the early loss Burns with a 113-run partnership, during which Lynn brought up his half-century, before he was caught by Dom Michael, who was the substitute fielder, at long-off off the bowling of Evan Gulbis.
Lynn’s excellent knock of 81 came off 35 balls and included 12 boundaries and three sixes.
Forrest went on to score 46 off 48 deliveries, which included two boundaries, before he was caught by Michael at deep midwicket off the bowling of Cameron Boyce.
Daniel Christian made 20 runs before he was caught by Boyce at midwicket off the bowling of Malik.
Ben Cutting scored a quickfire 24 before he was caught by Hilfenhaus at wide long-on off the bowling of Malik.
Malik struck again the very next ball when Nathan Reardon was caught by Jonathan Wells at deep midwicket for 20.
Thanks to Lynn, the Heat finished on 198/6 off their 20 overs.
Malik was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Hilfenhaus, Gulbis and Boyce chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Chasing 199 to win, the Hurricanes lost wickets right from the get-go and they soon found themselves struggling at 92/7.
Malik and Hilfenhaus somewhat stemmed the bleeding with a 45-run partnership before Malik was caught by Stephen Parry at short third man off the bowling of Heat skipper James Hopes.
Malik top-scored with 42, which came off 23 balls and included two boundaries and two sixes.
Despite putting together an unbeaten 43-run partnership, Hilfenhaus and Boyce were unable to carry their side over the finish line.
Hilfenhaus ended up making 38 off 31 balls, which included one boundary and two sixes, while Boyce remained undefeated on 24 off nine deliveries, which included three boundaries and a six.
Christian and Mark Steketee snapped up two wickets apiece, while Hopes, Parry and Cutting claimed one wicket each.
Lynn was named Man of the Match for his spectacular knock of 81.