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Sam Konstas and Matthew Gilkes combine for a massive opening partnership to deliver Thunder's maiden win

Lachlan Harper
Lachlan Harper

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Sam Konstas has helped the Sydney Thunder to its first win of the Big Bash season after an exciting half-century against the Brisbane Heat.

The Heat, fresh off the biggest ever BBL run chase two days ago, couldn't match those heroics in Canberra.

Brisbane captain Xavier Bartlett won the toss and elected to bowl but may have regretted that as the Thunder's opening partnership between Konstas and Matthew Gilkes rocketed.

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The highlight of Konstas' innings came when he was on 18 and had to adjust quickly with a reverse scoop off Liam Haskett and hit him for a boundary through third man.

"Absolute classic," Brett Lee described it on Fox League.

Brendon Julian added: "I don't know how he got bat on that but he didn't panic".

Sam Konstas' unqiue shot against the Heat. Fox Cricket

"He wanted to go legside straight away but ended up going through third man."

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Gilkes and Konstas combined for 127 off 13.2 overs before the latter was gone for 63.

Sam Billings, who no doubt wouldn't say no to an England call-up right now, hit an 11-ball 25 before fourth Test contender Matt Kuhnemann claimed his wicket.

David Warner (7) and Gilkes (76) were the other wickets to fall with the Thunder 4-193 after 20 overs.

Brisbane's chase looked dangerous when Matt Renshaw was at the crease after his hundred two days ago.

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Renshaw came in at 1-37 and it was 2-38 two balls later when Jack Wildermuth (14) was bowled by Shadab Khan.

Renshaw and Hugh Weibgen had the Heat in contention at 2-108 in the 13th over, however Renshaw was bowled by Khan too for 43.

Matt Renshaw is bowled.  Getty

A steady flow of wickets meant the Heat were no chance in the final over, needing 40 runs from six balls.

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The Heat finished 6-159 with Khan taking 4-24 while Daniel Sams had 2-25.

"A good, clinical performance from the Sydney Thunder

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