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Khawaja Hits 78 on BBL Return to Lead Heat Past Thunder

Days after ending an 88-Test career in the Ashes, the Brisbane captain showcased immediate impact in domestic T20 with a match-winning innings.

Overview

  • Brisbane Heat chased 181 in 16.2 overs for a seven-wicket win as Usman Khawaja struck 78 off 48 with seven fours and three sixes at a 162.5 strike rate.
  • Khawaja launched the pursuit with a 57-run opening stand in 3.5 overs with Jack Wildermuth, then added 93 with Matt Renshaw to break the chase open.
  • Sydney Thunder posted 180 for six, led by David Warner’s 82 off 56, but the total proved insufficient.
  • Khawaja celebrated his fifty with Steve Smith’s V‑grip gesture and was named Player of the Match.
  • The victory marked Heat’s fourth win of the season and left Thunder bottom at 1–8 with the competition’s worst net run rate.