Strikers keep Heat winless

Adelaide Strikers have returned to winning ways in the KFC Big Bash League with a 31-run victory over the struggling Brisbane Heat.

Winless since their first outing, the Strikers moved into second on the table after defending 4-166 having elected to bat first at the Gabba.

Captain Michael Klinger (53) and Tom Cooper (unbeaten 43) led the visitors to their strong total.

After being reduced to 3-26, the winless Heat were never in contention in their chase and were eventually all out for 135 in the 18th over.

Strikers paceman Kane Richardson collected the stunning figures of 2-2 while Callum Ferguson took two catches and inflicted a pair of run outs.

Richardson, 20, removed Heat openers Matthew Hayden (13) and Andrew Robinson (eight) to put an early dent into the hosts' hopes of a first win.

Former Australia left-hander Hayden looked in ominous form early, smashing two sixes, but he was caught by debutant James Muirhead at short fine-leg off Richardson.

Ferguson took two catches and his direct hit ran out the dangerous Dan Christian (16) to leave Heat reeling at 4-46.

Teenager Muirhead (2-17) took a wicket with his first ball - a loose one down leg side Michael Neser hit down the throat of Cameron Borgas at short fine-leg.

The 18-year-old Victorian got his second with a full toss Chris Hartley (11) smashed for Klinger to take a great leaping catch at mid-wicket.

Chris Lynn (19) and Ryan Harris (11) both fell to Brendan Drew (2-27) as Heat's required run-rate went out to more than nine runs an over.

Steve Paulsen (35 not out) top-scored after the top six struggled, but Heat never looked likely in their chase.

Ferguson capped off an excellent fielding display from the Strikers when he combined with Johan Botha to run out Alister McDermott and complete the win.

Earlier, the Strikers were in control throughout their innings with the bat and smashed 51 runs from their last five overs to set a challenging total, aided by several pieces of sloppy fielding from Heat.

Klinger and Dan Harris (17) put on 41 for the opening wicket before the latter departed off McDermott (2-31), lofting a catch to Peter Forrest at mid-off.

The same Heat pair combined to remove Ferguson for 11, before Borgas (five) fell shortly after Klinger hit a soft catch to wicket-keeper Hartley.

But Cooper, who smashed five fours and a six in his 27-ball knock, and Botha (28 off 16) - in his last game for the Strikers - finished steadily to set a total Heat never looked like chasing.

Heat's hopes of making the finals are all but dashed after the loss, while the Strikers move back into the top four on the back of the convincing win.