Former Australian cricketer Usman Tariq Khawaja produced an impressive performance for the Brisbane Heat in his first Big Bash League match of the season, following an emotional farewell to international cricket during the recently concluded Ashes series.

According to details, Khawaja led the Heat as captain in his opening appearance of the ongoing BBL season. Chasing a target of 181 set by the Sydney Thunder, Brisbane reached 183 for 3 inside 17 overs to secure a comprehensive seven-wicket victory.

Uzzy doing Uzzy things in the Big Bash 🥳 #POTM #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/rEp4Rapm50
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 10, 2026

Khawaja led from the front with a commanding 78 off 48 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 162.50.

Former Australian star David Warner, captaining the Sydney Thunder, also played a forceful innings, scoring 82 from 56 deliveries with eight fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 146.42. His effort, however, did not alter the result. Khawaja was named player of the match for his decisive contribution.

It is pertinent to note that Usman Khawaja scored 6,229 runs in 88 Test matches, including 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries. In one-day internationals, he made 1,554 runs in 40 matches, with two centuries and 12 half-centuries. He also featured in nine T20 internationals, scoring 241 runs, with a highest score of 58.