Fireworks Highlight KFC T20 Max Final

Allan Border Field provided the stage for the season’s biggest showdown, as Wests and Norths battled for silverware in a twilight blockbuster.

Second place Wests entered the decider as one of the competition’s form sides, while fifth place Norths had timed their finals charge perfectly to earn a shot at the title.

With everything on the line, a strong crowd gathered as Riverfire began to dominate the Brisbane Skyline to witness the main event as both sides looked to cap off their campaigns by claiming the ultimate prize.

After Norths won the toss and elected to bowl first, they were made to pay as Wests produced a stunning batting display to post a tournament high 3-251.

Riley McCullum set the tone from the outset, blasting 26 from just 11 deliveries to give Wests the fast start they were searching for.

Sohaan Sharma ensured the momentum continued, striking a composed yet damaging 56 from 36 balls before Eli Brain finally broke through to end a partnership threatening to take the game away from Norths.

However, the first innings belonged to Will Bosisto as he took control of the contest with a breathtaking century, hammering 101 from just 43 deliveries in an extraordinary display of power and innovation.

His nine sixes included some exquisite switch-hitting as he dismantled the Norths attack and put Wests firmly in control. Bosisto’s dominance laid the platform for Tom Campbell to cash in at the death, with the powerful right-hander notching up 53 from 27 balls and finding the boundary with ease to see Wests surge beyond 250.

By the end of 20 overs, Wests had amassed a remarkable 3-251, the highest total of the KFC T20 Max tournament, leaving Norths with a monumental mountain to climb.

Under the Allan Border Field lights, the seemingly impossible quickly became possible.

Cameron Hemp and Aryan Jain strode to the crease with all eyes firmly on the Norths opening pair.

After Oli Patterson delivered a tidy opening over, Hemp decided it was time to put the foot down. The Wests attack felt the full force of Hemp’s onslaught with a quickfire 50 from just 20 deliveries, setting the Norths chase alight and immediately putting the pressure back on Wests bowlers.

At the other end, Jain was equally impressive. He brought up a scintillating half century of his own before pushing on to a well made 72, ensuring Norths remained within touching distance of the imposing required rate.

Just as Norths threatened to take control, Patterson showed why he had finished the tournament as the competition’s leading wicket taker.

The left armer struck twice in the 12th over, removing Joe Burns and Jain to drag Wests back into the contest and briefly halt Norths momentum. Sam Geyer also played a pivotal role with the ball as the required rate continued to climb and the pressure intensified.

Then came Josh Brown. With the grand final hanging in the balance, the explosive right-hander produced an innings worthy of the occasion.

Brown blasted 67 from just 23 deliveries in a history making knock, launching Norths towards an extraordinary run chase and ultimately sealing the 2026 KFC T20 Max title. It was a fitting conclusion to a remarkable night of T20 cricket.

By Lachlan Bragger, who is currently studying at Queensland Cricket’s Institute of Sport and Business.