Sixers Hold Their Lead as Rain Stops Play Against Heat

Heat, who beat Sixers in last season’s final, moved up to fifth with their point

Rain spoiled the show in Coffs Harbour as the Big Bash League game between the Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat was washed out before a single ball was bowled.

The match was officially called off just over an hour after its scheduled start time.

Both teams earned one point each from the no-result. The Sixers now sit three points ahead of the Perth Scorchers, who are set to play Sydney Thunder later on Friday. The Heat, last season’s champions who lost to the Sixers in Brisbane last week, climbed to fifth place with their point.

Rain had been falling steadily at the north coast venue for hours. At one point, it looked like the weather might clear up, but heavier rain returned, forcing officials to abandon the game. Thousands of fans who had come to watch were left disappointed.

Michael Neser was supposed to return to action for the Heat after recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up nearly two months ago. The Heat had also included Tom Alsop, a wicketkeeper and England Lions player, in their squad for what would have been his first game of the season.

The Heat, who have now gone four games without a win, will face the Thunder in Brisbane on Monday. Meanwhile, the Sixers, who started the season with four straight wins but lost their last match, will take on the Melbourne Stars at the MCG next Thursday.