The Gabba witnessed a masterclass in aggressive T20 batting on January 10, 2026, as the Brisbane Heat secured a comprehensive 7-wicket victory over the Sydney Thunder in the 29th match of BBL|15. In a high-stakes encounter under the lights, a vintage performance from Usman Khawaja ensured the Heat chased down a daunting total with remarkable ease, finishing the game with 22 balls to spare.
David Warner and Sam Billings set a formidable target against Brisbane Heat
Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Sydney Thunder overcame a cautious start to post a competitive 180/6. The innings was anchored by veteran David Warner, who showed glimpses of his classic self with a gritty 82 off 56 balls. Warner’s knock, featuring seven boundaries and three towering sixes, provided the stability the Thunder needed after losing Matthew Gilkes (10) and Cameron Bancroft (4) early in the Powerplay.
The momentum shifted during the “Power Surge” in the 13th and 14th overs, where the Thunder added 29 runs without losing a wicket. Sam Billings contributed a brisk 34, partnering with Warner for an 84-run stand that looked set to propel the visitors toward a 200-plus total. However, the Brisbane Heat’s bowling unit, led by an inspired Matt Renshaw (2/29), tightened the screws in the death overs. Renshaw’s ability to pick up key wickets, including the dangerous Billings, halted the Thunder’s charge, leaving them with 180—a formidable but defendable score on the true Gabba surface.
Usman Khawaja’s blistering innings powers Brisbane Heat to dominant win in BBL|15
Any hopes the Thunder had of defending their total were quickly extinguished by an extraordinary opening onslaught. Jack Wildermuth acted as the early aggressor, smashing 39 off just 15 balls in a whirlwind cameo that saw the Heat race to 50 runs in just 3.2 overs. When Wildermuth fell in the fourth over, the foundation was already laid for the Khawaja show.
The Heat captain played with surgical precision and effortless timing. Khawaja’s 78 off 48 balls was a clinic in finding gaps and punishing short-pitched bowling. He reached his half-century in just 30 deliveries, effectively killing the contest before the drinks break. While Nathan McSweeney (12) fell cheaply, Renshaw capped off a brilliant all-round day by remaining unbeaten on 42 off 26 balls.
The match flow remained heavily in the Heat’s favour throughout the chase, reaching the 150-run mark in just the 14th over. Despite Wes Agar finally dismissing Khawaja in the 16th over, the damage was done. The Heat crossed the line at 183/3 in only 16.2 overs, marking one of the most clinical chases in recent BBL history. Khawaja’s “Player of the Match” performance not only secured the points for Brisbane but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league regarding the Heat’s championship credentials in BBL|15.
A comprehensive win for Brisbane Heat ⚡#BBL15 #BrisbaneHeat pic.twitter.com/4bHDIdW6tJ
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 10, 2026
