Usman Khawaja shines on BBL return as Heat thump Thunder

BRISBANE: Experienced opener Usman Khawaja's blistering half-century in the run chase powered Brisbane Heat to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Sydney Thunder in the 29th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) here at the Brisbane Cricket Ground on Saturday.

Khawaja, who drew curtains on his glittering Test career in the final match of the home Ashes on Thursday, joined the Heat's squad as the captain and made an immediate impact as he played a match-winning knock against the Thunder.

The left-handed opener top-scored with a quickfire 78 off just 48 deliveries, studded with 10 boundaries, including three sixes, helping the Heat chase down the 181-run target comfortably for the loss of three wickets and 22 balls to spare and was thus named the Player of the Match.

His efforts were backed by fellow opener Jack Wildermuth, who made a brisk 39 off just 15 deliveries with the help of four fours and three sixes, while middle-order batter Matt Renshaw steered the Heat over the line with an unbeaten 26-ball 42, featuring four fours and a six.

For the Thunder, Chris Green, Daniel Sams and Wes Agar could pick up a wicket apiece.

Opting to bat first, the Thunder accumulated 180/6 in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of in-form captain David Warner's half-century.

The veteran opener top-scored for the visitors with a 56-ball 82, laced with eight fours and three sixes, while wicketkeeper batter Sam Billings contributed with 34 off 26 deliveries.

Matt Renshaw was the standout bowler for the Heat, taking two wickets for just 29 runs in his four overs, while Matthew Kuhnemann, Thomas Balkin and Xavier Bartlett chipped in with one scalp apiece.

The thumping victory lifted Brisbane Heat to fifth position in the BBL 2025-26 standings with eight points in eight matches, while Sydney Thunder remained at the bottom with just two points in as many games.