In the electrifying 20th match of BBL|15 at The Gabba in Brisbane on January 2, 2026, Melbourne Stars posted a formidable 195/6 against Brisbane Heat, who won the toss and opted to field under the floodlights. Stars’ aggressive batting set a challenging target of 9.75 runs per over, fuelled by explosive starts and late fireworks, leaving Heat with a steep chase ahead.
Jim Pierson takes an unbelievable catch to remove Glenn Maxwell in BBL|15
Jimmy Peirson produced one of BBL|15’s early highlight-reel moments in the 12.1 over, diving full-length to his right to pouch a glove off Glenn Maxwell, bowled by Matthew Kuhnemann. Maxwell, shaping for the predictable reverse sweep on a tossed-up delivery around middle and leg, nicked it onto his pad, looping the ball tantalizingly close yet deceptively tough—Peirson tracked it masterfully before lunging to snag the screamer, dismissing the Stars’ danger man for just 1 off 2 balls at 113/4.
This massive breakthrough stifled Stars’ momentum after a blistering powerplay, with Kuhnemann’s economical spell proving pivotal, and social media erupting in awe over Peirson’s “freakish” athleticism. Peirson, the experienced Heat gloveman, celebrated wildly as Maxwell trudged off, shifting win probability firmly toward Brisbane at a crucial juncture.
Here’s the video:
What a take that is 😳
Glenn Maxwell is out after Jimmy Peirson took this spectacular catch at The Gabba! #BBL15 #GoldenMoment @BKTtires pic.twitter.com/tx5XRcXKBV
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 2, 2026
Brisbane Heat face the heat as Melbourne Stars put up a massive total
Melbourne Stars came out flying, racing to 47 without loss in the powerplay as Sam Harper went on the attack from ball one. Harper smashed a quickfire 37 from just 23 deliveries, finding the fence five times and clearing it once, while Thomas Rogers played the supporting role with 13 from 12 balls. The Stars brought up their fifty inside five overs, underlining their intent early on. Harper’s charge ended on 52 for one when he was caught by Jack Wildermuth off Thomas Balkin, and soon after Rogers was bowled by Matthew Renshaw at 56 for two.
Marcus Stoinis then took charge, combining with Campbell Kellaway to steady the innings and rebuild momentum. Stoinis made a fluent 43 from 35 balls, while Kellaway chipped in with a rapid 29 off just 14, striking six boundaries. Their partnership lifted the Stars past 100 by the end of the 11th over, reaching 109 for three shortly after.
The innings briefly lost shape after Maxwell’s departure, with Stoinis dismissed at 134 for five and Tom Curran following soon after. However, Hilton Cartwright and Blake Macdonald ensured a strong finish, adding an unbeaten 58 in the final overs. Macdonald’s explosive 37 off 12 balls powered a late surge, as the Stars piled on runs despite an over-rate penalty. Brisbane Heat bowlers rotated well but were kept under pressure throughout, leaving them a steep chase of 196 under the Gabba lights.
Also WATCH: Hassan Khan plucks a screamer to dismiss Moises Henriques in BBL|15
