Rodrigues and Jonassen Lead Brisbane Heat to Challenger Match

Jemimah Rodrigues and Jess Jonassen each scored 39 runs as Brisbane Heat defeated Sydney Sixers by five wickets, thereby securing a place in the Women’s Big Bash Challenger match. In the competition’s final league stage game, the Heat dismissed their opponents for a total of 140 runs. Jonassen and Lucy Hamilton were key bowlers, each taking three wickets. The Heat then successfully pursued their target within 17 overs. Rodrigues contributed her 39 runs from 22 balls before Mathilda Carmichael caught her off Melie Kerr’s bowling. Jonassen subsequently formed a 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket with opener Georgia Redmayne. She then concluded the match by striking Kerr for a four, securing the victory. Despite their rapid win, the Heat’s run-rate was not enough to overtake the Melbourne Renegades at the top of the table. Both teams finished with 14 points. The Brisbane side will now face the winner of Wednesday’s knockout tie between Sydney Thunder and Hobart Hurricanes in the challenger match on Friday. The victor of that game will then play the Renegades in the final on Sunday, 1 December.