Strikers survive Jimmy Peirson blitz in cliffhanger to snare two-run win
Stand-in captain Peirson's quickfire 69 was in vain as Strikers defended 17 off the last two overs
Stand-in captain Peirson's quickfire 69 was in vain as Strikers defended 17 off the last two overs
Commentator: Peter Della Penna
All that excitement from Peirson and Mujeeb wagging the tail made everyone temporarily forget about the umpiring debacles earlier in the chase, and match in general. Plenty for you fans to chew on over the next two off days in this tournament. Hopefully Santa brings everyone some cheer after what's been a rough year. Come back on Boxing Day when the BBL returns for a doubleheader beginning with the Sydney Thunder against the Melbourne Renegades. Until then, take care!
Man of the Match Jimmy Peirson in a losing effort: "I've been in one of those situations before a few years ago where I took the single [in the final over] and regretted it. I felt like it was up to me to get the job done. [The top order] didn't get going tonight. Credit to the Strikers bowling. It was a good wicket. It was a great honor to have the captaincy tonight but hopefully we get Lynny back as soon as possible."
9.37 pm From 8 for 68, Peirson was spurred out of his shell by Mujeeb and nearly got the Heat across the line. He turned down three singles in the final over. But arguably the miscalculation came at the end of the 18th by taking the second run instead of settling for a single to keep strike for the 19th. He never saw a ball in the 19th over and Ben Laughlin was only able to manage one boundary sandwiched around five dots, keeping Peirson off strike until the 20th. After six off the first two balls, Worrall recovered to get his lengths perfect with four consecutive yorkers to deny Peirson what would have been a remarkable win for the Heat. However, Strikers may not have come away with this game feeling like big winners if Rashid's hamstring problem keeps him out for any length of time.
iNDER: "Pierson takes the single when he shouldn't/ And denies, when he should. More chance of Laughlin hitting one ball over boundary rather than 3 in a over."
7 from 4 has become 7 off 2.
Four boundary riders on the leg side.
Stand-in captain Peirson's quickfire 69 was in vain as Strikers defended 17 off the last two overs
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