Brisbane Heat’s Tom Banton and Matt Renshaw light up Queensland’s Grade cricket with centuries

The Brisbane Heat won the 2012-13 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL), beating the Perth Scorchers, the three-time champions, at the WACA in Perth. However, in the last six seasons, the Heat haven’t even able to qualify for the final even once. The upcoming edition is set to get underway on Tuesday, December 17 and the Heat will be looking to make amends.

The Heat will be playing the inaugural match itself against the Sydney Thunder at The Gabba in Brisbane. The team will be playing at home and will wish to make a winning start in their home-ground. The Heat have had some powerful batters over the years, Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn being a couple. This time around they have the likes of Tom Banton and Matt Renshaw.

Renshaw and Banton shine before the BBL

Both of them are in jaw-dropping form in the Queensland Premier Grade competition. Even as Banton is representing Wynnum/Manly, Renshaw is plying his trade for Toombul. The two teams locked horns in a T20 match at the Oxenham Park (Ken Mackay Oval). Both Renshaw and Banton had excellent outings, scoring centuries, though the former’s team won by a solitary wicket.

After winning the toss and electing to bat Wynnum/Manly amassed 214 runs. Banton churned out 121 runs off 41 balls with the help of eight fours and 13 hits into the stands. Unfortunately, he didn’t get much support from his fellow batters. The remaining batting scored 93 runs off 79 balls. In the run-chase, the left-handed Renshaw made sure that Toombul didn’t go behind the 8-ball.

The southpaw scored 139 off 60 balls and put his team in a commanding position. The middle order floundered, but Renshaw didn’t allow any pressure to build. He got good support from RH McDonald, who scored 43 off 20 with three fours and as many sixes.

Renshaw was run out with the score at 196, but by then he had ensured that his team was in touching distance of a victory. In the meantime, Banton would be disappointed that he couldn’t scrip victory for his side. However, he would be relieved with his form going into the BBL.