BRISBANE: Mitchell Starc’s four wicket haul backed by gutsy half-centuries from Steve Smith and Sam Curran propelled Sydney Sixers to a five-wicket win over Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 knockout fixture.
Sydney Sixers chased down 172 in 18.4 overs, losing five wickets in the process.
The BBL 15 finals — Playoffs will commence on 20 January with Sydney Sixers facing Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier.
Meanwhile, third-placed Hobart Hurricanes will square off against fourth-placed Melbourne Stars in the knockout.
After losing Babar Azam (1) and Josh Philippe (8) in the first three overs, Steve Smith held the innings together with a string of partnerships.
The right-hander, who top-scored with 54 from 40 balls, including five boundaries, steadied the innings, first stitching a 43-run partnership with skipper Moises Henriques.
The pair’s partnership brought the total to 74 in 8.4 overs before Henriques was caught after scoring 20.
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Smith followed the stand with another crucial partnership off 60 runs alongside Sam Curran that took the game away from the Brisbane Heat. Sam Curran hit two sixes and five fours in his 53* from 27 balls.
For Brisbane Heat, Xavier Bartlett picked up two wickets.
Earlier, after put into bat first, Brisbane Heat racked up 171-9 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.
Nathan McSweeney starred with the bat, scoring a vital 69 from 54 balls, which was laced with eight fours.
Michael Neser was the other notable contributor as he captilized on the power surge, hitting 35 off 14 balls with the help of two sixes and five fours.
For Sydney Sixers, Mitchell Starc was the star bowler as he picked up the first four-wicket haul of his short BBL career.
READ: WATCH: Babar Azam falls cheaply in must-win clash for Sixers