BBL 2025-26: Bryant-Bartlett show helps Brisbane Heat halt Melbourne Stars' juggernaut

Melbourne Stars' juggernaut came to a screeching halt on Friday, January 2, as they lost to Brisbane Heat by four wickets in a final over thriller. The batting pair of Max Bryant (48* off 26) and Xavier Bartlett (21* off 9 balls) stitched an unbeaten 66-run stand off just 24 balls to help Heat claim the cliffhanger.

Stars began reasonably well with Sam Harper and Thomas Rogers making full use of the powerplay restrictions, adding 52 in just 5.3 overs. However, Stars conceded momentum soon as they lost both their openers in a space of just five deliveries.

Skipper Marcus Stoinis and Campbell Kellaway then added a 53-run partnership to steady the ship again. Kellaway proved his power-hitting credentials as he raced to 29 off just 14 balls, laced with six boundaries at a strike rate of 207.14.

Stoinis tried to anchor the innings and scored 43 off 35 balls, including five fours and a maximum. When Matthew Kuhnemann got Glenn Maxwell (1 off 2 balls) cheaply, Heat were in the driver's seat, but a 58-run stand between Hilton Cartright (26 off 20 balls) and Blake Macdonald lifted Stars from 137 to 195.

Macdonald was outstanding as he took the attack to Heat at the death, scoring an unbeaten 37 off just 12 balls with the help of four boundaries and two sixes at a stellar strike rate of 308.33.

Thomas Balkin was the pick of all the Heat bowlers, claiming figures of 2/35 in four overs.

In reply, Heat lost both their openers inside the powerplay and were reduced to 34/2 before Nathan McSweeney (43 off 31 balls) and Matt Renshaw (41 off 27 balls) added 69 runs for the third wicket. Peter Siddle broke the partnership as he got rid of McSweeney in the 12th over.

As Renshaw fell two balls later, the momentum shifted in Stars favour. They claimed two more wickets in quick succession to leave Heat reeling at 133 for the loss of six wickets in 15.4 overs.

With Heat staring down the barrel, Bryant and Bartlett got together and scaled the target down in 19.4 overs, hitting 10 off the last over, bowled by Haris Rauf.