Michael Neser has been dubbed Brisbane’s new “people’s champ” after blasting the Heat into the Big Bash League final.
In arguably the biggest upset in BBL history, Neser rolled the dice against the Sydney Sixers when his side still needed 31 runs off 30 balls with just four wickets up their sleeve.
He had one over remaining in the power surge, with James Bazley the new batsman down the other end, when he risked it all to blast Hayden Kerr for four consecutive fours.
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“The start of this (16th) over I think the Sixers were clear favourites,” Fox Cricket’s Mark Waugh said.
“The Heat were struggling and were cracking under pressure.
“Neser comes in and within two minutes those boundaries just switched the whole game in a fleeting moment.”
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Neser’s 17-run over changed the course of the match, as the Heat successfully chased down 117 with 10 balls to spare.
Neser said he knew it was a gamble opting for the power surge and having the field come up – especially since the first over by Sean Abbott cost Brisbane Max Bryant’s wicket.
“It was probably a big risk but I thought the opportunity was there with the ball being reasonably hard,” Neser said after his matchwinning 48* off 32 balls.
“We knew it was just one real good over and the game was ours.
“I thought we wouldn’t leave it too late.
“To be honest I wasn’t thinking about a big over – I was thinking maybe if we could get two (boundaries) it would be a good over.”
Neser’s four-ball blitz ensured the Heat needed just 14 runs off the final four overs before he guided his side to the final against the Perth Scorchers.
“What a fantastic effort from Ness,” Heat captain Jimmy Peirson said.
“He’s our people’s champ.
“That’s game changing stuff.
“It was a bit on a knife’s edge there and it went our way.
“We’re a Queensland team and the great Queensland teams when their backs are against the wall, they find a way to win.”
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Neser said his mind already “in Perth” where the Heat will once again start as massive underdogs, like they did against the Sixers on Thursday night.
“I’m just stoked we’ve made the final,” he said.
“It’s been stressful, I’ll give you that.
“The good thing about this whole tournament is everyone has stepped up at the right time for the Heat.
“Who knows? (It’s) anyone’s game.”
Fox Cricket’s Adam Gilchrist said Neser “could do no wrong” against the Sixers, and would take the same mindset into the clash against the Scorchers.
“The Scorchers look red hot favourites but we thought the same tonight with the Sixers and they crumbled under pressure. You ever know what’s ahead of you in this game,” he said.
The final between the Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat will be held on Saturday night at Perth Stadium.
