Starc reminder that class wins big matches as Sixers advance to BBL qualifier by bringing Heat down

The class of Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith with excellent support from England allrounder Sam Curran lifted the Sydney Sixers to a crucial five-wicket win over the Brisbane Heat on Sunday night to get them through to the BBL qualifier.

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Starc bagged 4-35 in just his 12th career BBL game, Smith blasted 54 while Curran picked up 2-37 and smahsed an unbeaten 53 from 27 balls as the Sixers just got home in the run-chase.

The win ensured the Sixers finished the competition rounds in second spot and they will travel to Perth to face the Scorchers on Tuesday night with the winners advancing straight through to Sunday’s final and earning hosting rights.

“It’s a big task going over there,” Smith said.

“They have been playing really well there and have been our arch-rival for some time now.

“I thought Sam Curran batted beautifully.

“He came out and his first two balls he hit for four. He was making a difference with his bat and to get us through to the end, it was a great knock.”

Brisbane have missed out on the playoffs after tasting defeat on home soil for just the first time this summer.

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Starc sizzled with the new ball and picked up career-best figures in his limited BBL appearances as Test teammate Michael Neser’s 35 off 14 propelled the Heat to 9-171.

After getting Jack Wildermuth with a full toss hit straight to cover in his first over, Starc knocked over Matt Renshaw for a duck.

Nathan McSweeney was the rock for the Heat as teammates tumbled, finishing unbeaten 69 off 54 deliveries.

Smith, who registered a record fourth BBL century against the Thunder on Friday night, got the run-chase off to a flyer with 54 from 40 before he was bowled by Brisbane quick Zaman Khan.

Needing 28 to win from the final 18 balls, Curran remained calm to keep finding the boundary to guide his team home with 1.2 overs to spare.

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