BBL 2022-23: Nathan McSweeney's lucky escape as bails don't dislodge despite the ball hitting the stumps

Sydney Sixers took center stage alongside Brisbane Heat in the Challenger of the Big Bash League 2022-23 at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday, February 2. During Brisbane Heat’s innings, Nathan McSweeney had a massive escape as Izharulhaq Naveed’s delivery kissed the stumps but the bails stood firm.

On the first delivery of the seventh over of Heat’s innings, Naveed bowled a beauty to McSweeney and left the batter bamboozled. The ball missed the bat by a whisker and then kissed the off stump before heading towards the keeper. Sydney Sixers’ wicketkeeper Josh Philippe also had no clue about the trajectory of the delivery and was not able to collect the ball.

It was a close shave for McSweeney but the batting all-rounder was not able to make it count. Post the incident, he could only add a run to his tally before being dismissed for five runs off eight balls on the fifth delivery of the same over. However, McSweeney’s failure did not have any bearing on the result of the game as Brisbane Heat won the game by four wickets and booked a ticket to the finals. 

Watch the video here:

KFC Big Bash League@BBL

Another coat of paint and those zing bails probably light up 😱 @KFCAustralia #BucketMoment #BBL12 #BBLFinals

04:02 PM · Feb 02, 2023

673

Michael Neser saves the day for Brisbane Heat

Earlier in the game, Sydney Sixers won the toss and elected to bat. However, they were quite dismal with the bat and could post only 116 runs on the board in 20 overs. Spencer Johnson and Matthew Kuhnemann were quite phenomenal with the ball, bagging three wickets each. Michael Neser also showed his class, picking up two scalps for 28 runs.

In response, Brisbane were in a tricky situation, having lost five wickets for mere 56 runs. However, Neser showed nerves of steel to take his team over the line. The bowling all-rounder smashed 48* runs off 32 deliveries. The 32-year-old was adjudged the Player of the Match for his stunning all-round performance.

Jimmy Peirson & Co. will face Perth Scorchers in the final showdown on Saturday, February 4 at the Perth Stadium. Brisbane would look to end their nine-season title drought by trumping the defending champions.