Paul Walter is a Big Bash League champion after his Brisbane Heat side defeated Sydney Sixers by 54 runs in the final of the 13th edition of the tournament at the SCG.
The Heat, who finished top of the table following the league stage of the tournament, gained revenge for their defeat by the second-placed Sixers in the Qualifier play-off.
Walter, whose nickname of ‘Tall Paul’ proved an instant hit with legions of new fans down under, took 17 wickets throughout the tournament as the Heat sealed their second BBL title.
In doing so, they have become only the third team in the competition, alongside the Sixers, who are three-time champions, and Perth Scorchers, who have five titles, to lift the trophy multiple times.
A seven-match winning streak to start the competition, not including two matches which were washed out, set the Heat well on their way to qualification for the play-offs.
Although they stuttered in their final league match and in the Qualifier, they hit back with some force to dispatch Adelaide Strikers by 54 runs in the Challenger, sealing their spot in the final.
Walter, who also hit 99 runs in the competition, was bettered in the Heat’s wicket-taking charts by only Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson’s respective hauls of 20 and 19.
Meanwhile, Josh Brown, who struck a scintillating 140 from just 57 deliveries in the Challenger match, led the way with the bat, totalling an enormous 366 runs at ana average of 40.66.
Walter’s achievements on the field, as well as his new-found cult hero status, saw him named to the BBL13 team of the tournament.
Everyone at Essex congratulates Paul on a magnificent achievement, and we look forward to welcoming him back to Chelmsford in April as a Big Bash winner.
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‘Tall Paul’ will be in Essex’s ranks for all seven explosive home Blast fixtures in 2024, including three Friday night clashes under the lights.
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