Big-hitting Chris Lynn rescued Brisbane Heat in their must-win Big Bash League T20 match against Sydney Thunder at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday.
Lynn (56 off 35 balls) smashed six sixes, as Heat reached a competitive 5-165 after struggling at 3-56 off 11 overs.
Ben Cutting (25 not out off 13), Luke Pomersbach (25 off 17) and Dan Christian (24 off 20), all cleared the boundary at least twice.
The Heat relished the short straight boundaries, with most of their 13 sixes coming in that area, though they struck just four fours.
A 66-run fourth wicket stand between Lynn and Christian added substance to the innings.
Paceman Chris Tremain (0-53 off 4) and Thunder debutant Ajantha Mendis (0-41 off 4) bore the brunt of the punishment.
Consistently excellent paceman Dirk Nannes (3-21 off 4) was the Thunder’s only multiple wicket taker.
Thunder captain Mike Hussey sprung a surprise by giving the first over to unheralded off spinner Jason Floros (0-18 off 4, who did an excellent containing job.