Sydney Sixers all-rounder Daniel Christian has steered his side towards a thrilling final-ball victory over the Brisbane Heat at Metricon Stadium on Sunday evening.
Christian plundered an unbeaten 61 not out off 38 balls in an explosive cameo which featured three boundaries and five sixes.
The Sixers needed 17 runs from the final two overs to secure an unlikely win, and Christian smacked all those runs himself.
The winning runs came from a flick through square leg with one run needed off the final ball.
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During the match-winning knock, Christian became the fifth cricketer to achieve the double feat of 5000 runs and 250 wickets in the T20 format, joining Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell and Shakib Al Hasan.
The 37-year-old is suddenly in contention for a spot in Australia’s squad for the T20 World Cup.
“We certainly didn’t want it to get that close, but they bowled really well,” Christian told Channel 7 after the win. “I just had to hang in there.
“It was really nice to contribute to a win tonight and get us back to the top of the table.”
Radio presenter Adam White tweeted: “There’s often commentary around Dan Christian being a valuable member of any T20 team because of his experience. It also can’t be forgotten he’s also simply bloody good. World class role player, genuine match winner.”
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Sixers captain Daniel Hughes also contributed a crucial 51 off 35 during the run chase.
Afghan tweaker Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the most impressive bowler for the Heat, finishing his four overs with superb figures of 2/16.
Meanwhile, Heat skipper Chris Lynn cracked 56 in the first innings, while West Indies international Carlos Brathwaite claimed his best-ever figures in the BBL, 4/18 off four overs.
The men in pink will next face the Sydney Thunder at Canberra’s Manuka Oval on Wednesday evening.