The commentary is not available for this match. Please check the scorecard for latest updates.
20:00 local time (3:30 PM IST): The official word has been communicated. This match is called off! Both teams would have wanted to fight for both points on offer but will have to settle for the parity. We look forward to the coverage of tomorrow's Melbourne Derby at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The derbies are a rich part of the Big Bash folklore and we can expect a full throttle match. See you there!
19:45 local time (3:15 PM IST): A no-result in the Sydney derby, which was Game 19. The Stars were tasked to chase down 67 in 7 overs in Game 17. We had a match abandoned in Game 3 between Adelaide Strikers and Brisbane Heat even before we could have the flip of the coin. If things stand the way they are, the points shared will make Brisbane the first team to reach double digits with their points tally in this season. The Sixers will also edge past the Scorchers to place themselves in the second spot with 8 points. The writing has began to structure itself in the wall. We are looking down the barrel. But it's the hope that kills us, right?
19:00 local time (2:30 PM IST): As the games get shorter with the impact of rain, the history of T20s suggest that we are often treated to a spectacle. Add to that when we have the two in-form teams of the competition. It would be another bummer if we do not get any cricketing action tonight as the rain does not show any signs of slowing down.
18:40 local time (2:10 PM IST): Mind you, the cut off time is 8:15 pm local time and we still have a fair bit of time for a game to happen, however, given how it all pans out in the next hour or so, the umpires will take a call.
18:30 local time (2:00 PM IST): The situation at the Gabba remains same, things haven't improved a whole lot and the covers are firmly placed at the moment. The forecast isn't looking any promising either, just hope the rain subsides and have some sort of cricket happening tonight.
The last match played at this venue saw the hosts getting bowled out before facing their full quota of 20 overs. But 172 turned out to be enough on a day when the Heat bowlers produced a collective effort. Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson and Matthew Kuhnemann picked up multiple wickets to reduce Sydney Thunder's batting unit. With today's encounter slated to be another rain truncated affair, the bowlers would be exerted under pressure again. Wonder what the discussions are about in both the dressing rooms right now!
It always helps when the captain of the side is walking the talk with impressive performances and that has been the case for the Brisbane Heat. Colin Munro has galvanised the team with 157 runs at an average of 52.33, propelling the Heat to another strong start after enjoying a successful campaign last year that saw them reach the final. Munro was dismissed for a golden duck in the match against Thunder so he would be looking forward to make certain amendments!
The rain gods seem to have developed an affinity towards the Sydney Sixers. They would have fancied themselved to chase down the 152 put up by Sydney Thunder on Saturday before the skies opened up. Middle order experienced batter Jordan Silk brings a lot of composure to the batting unit alongside skipper Moises Henriques. Silk has also mustered 116 runs at an average of 58 so far in the current season and the men in pink would be hoping for the good run to continue.
Alright. The big news from the middle is that, the toss has been delayed due to rain!
With a cracker of a game on our hands, the weather has other ideas as it's currently not looking great with rain around, but the forecast seems to be promising, let's hope we have some sort of a game happening later on. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest.
Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's live coverage of the Match 22 of Big Bash League 2023 as Brisbane Heat are going head to head against Sydney Sixers here in Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba, Brisbane! Right then. Brisbane Heat are going through a purple patch in this season, with four wins out of the five they've played, they are currently placed at the top of the table and are looking to solidify their position by winning this particular encounter.
With five more games to go still including this one, Heat are looking very good to be one of the top contenders to win the title this time around. Heat remain unbeaten in the tournament, barring one game that was abandoned owing to a wash out due to rain. Heat are a well rounded side with plenty of contributing players so far. As far as their bowling is concerned, Neser and Johnson are proving to be too quick to handle and the spin department are playing a crucial part as well.
As far as Sydney Sixers are concerned, they are currently placed at the third spot with three wins of the five they've played, they will be looking to move up the ladder and stay is contention with plenty of games in hand still. Sixers last game was washed out due to rain, they need to ensure they win this game and pick up those two crucial points and get closer to the top spot.
Brisbane Heat are the favourites to win this contest, however, Sydney Sixers pose a different kind of threat with the right set of bowling and batting that they have and the Heat will not leave any stone unturned to beat the Sixers here. So, sit back, relax as I, Pradeep along with my dear friend and co-commentator Dwaipayan Mukherjee to take you through everything that transpires till the end of the game! Stay tuned for toss and playing XI updates!
Video
;'/></svg>)
P Walter
J Edwards
;'/></svg>){kind=small}
Match has not started yet
The Gabba, Brisbane
