Twitter Reactions: Sydney Sixers crush Heat by 9 wickets at the SCG

Sydney Sixers locked horn with Brisbane Heat in the 32nd match of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) in Sydney at the SCG. The game was important for both the teams with the visitors in a must-win situation to stay in the tournament. The hosts have also been virtually knocked out of the competition as they would also require several other results to go their way in case they win both their remaining games.

Johan Botha, Sixers skipper, won the toss and opted to bowl first on a two-paced wicket with an aim to restrict the visitors to a decent total. But what transpired on the field was the least expected as Heat batsmen crumbled under pressure of scoring some quick runs. They were literally bowled out for a paltry score of 73 in the 17th over with only four of their batters reaching the double figures.

The bowlers of the hosts were magnificent with their line and lengths as they picked wickets at regular intervals and kept a lid on Brisbane side. The best of the lot was Sean Abbott who ended with the magical figures of 4/11 in his 4 overs and he was well supported by Carlos Brathwaite who picked a couple. Even the Ashes winner Nathan Lyon snaffled two wickets conceding just 17 runs.

Sixers stroll home

In response, the target of 74 was never going to challenge the hosts as they strolled home in just 10 overs. Daniel Hughes provided them with a blistering start at the top by attacking Josh Lalor and Yasir Shah. The latter pinned him in front but not before Hughes ran his way through to 37 off just 28 deliveries. His partner Joe Denly played second fiddle to him as Nic Maddinson came and smashed a couple of sixes to finish the game early. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 20 off just 8 balls, while Denly scored a sedate 19.

73 was never going to be enough for the Heat bowlers to defend as they could pick only a solitary wicket thereby losing the game by 9 wickets.

Twitter was up for the game despite being the bottom of the table clash and praised the likes of Abbott and Lyon for clinical performance with the ball. They also trolled Brisbane Heat for not turning out for the crucial encounter on the night.

Here’s how they reacted:

The "give them the ball back" moment?! ??? #SmashemSixers #BBL07 #TurnUpTheHeat pic.twitter.com/bNDenVm1g9

— Sylve (@qldsyl) January 18, 2018

Final update on the @HeatBBL fans. #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/97YQ9ejtZA

— TEN Sport (@tensporttv) January 18, 2018

Every @HeatBBL fan right now. #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/pI2GjgV7BG

— TEN Sport (@tensporttv) January 18, 2018

Sean Abbott is the KFC Player of the Match for his sensational spell of 4-11! Check out his wickets here: https://t.co/1ZpLWHVmvl #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/ww2ErbuFxS

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 18, 2018

14 – @seanabbott77 has now taken 14 wickets across his last 4 @BBL appearances v Brisbane Heat; doing so at an average of 7.1 and claiming 3+ wickets in each out those outings. Kitchen. #BBL07 pic.twitter.com/BXkwhAdfbI

— OptaJim (@OptaJim) January 18, 2018

Sean Abbott killed it tonight! #BBL07

— Sir Jordan Politics (@JordanPolitics) January 18, 2018

4+ wickets in @BBL games
1x: 27 players
2x: 5 players
3x: SEAN ABBOTT
4x: AJ Tye
@SixersBBL #BBL07

— Swamp (@sirswampthing) January 18, 2018

Sean Abbott is very happy to be player of the match. He's bouncing with happiness after his killer spell tonight! #BBL07

— Sir Jordan Politics (@JordanPolitics) January 18, 2018

Sean Abbott takes his 50th wicket for the @SixersBBL
AJ Tye (53 for Scorchers) is only other bowler to take 50 wickets for a single @BBL team
#BBL07

— Swamp (@sirswampthing) January 18, 2018