ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 31: Chris Lynn of the Strikers during the BBL match between Adelaide Strikers and Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval, on December 31, 2025, in Adelaide, Australia (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)
Chris Lynn made history on New Year’s Eve by becoming the first player in Big Bash League (BBL) history to reach 4000 runs. The star batter achieved this milestone with a stunning performance, scoring 79 not out from just 41 deliveries during a match against his former team, the Brisbane Heat. His efforts propelled the Adelaide Strikers to a convincing seven-wicket victory in a key fixture of the BBL season.
Lynn reached the 4000-run mark in spectacular fashion, sending a delivery from Xavier Bartlett over mid-wicket and into the crowd. This six was one of six he hit during the match, showcasing his explosive batting style. Over his BBL career, Lynn has accumulated a total of 4065 runs across 131 matches, placing him well ahead of other top scorers such as Aaron Finch with 3311 runs and Glenn Maxwell with 3282 runs.
Lynn’s career in the BBL began when he debuted for the Heat in the league’s inaugural game. Known for his powerful hitting, he famously struck a ball onto the roof of the Gabba in 2014, marking one of the competition’s defining moments. After battling a chronic shoulder injury and parting ways with the Heat in a contentious manner in 2022, Lynn has continued to shine as a leading batter since joining the Strikers.
After the match against Brisbane, Lynn reflected on his milestone achievement. “A lot of people say personal accolades are not what they play for, but the position that I bat in, if I score runs and hit sixes, the team generally does well,” he told Fox Cricket. He expressed gratitude towards both the Heat and the Strikers, stating, “It’s been absolutely outstanding. Hopefully, I’ve still got plenty left in the tank.”
Despite a slow start to the season, where he managed only 31 runs in his first three games, Lynn’s performance against the Heat marked a significant turnaround. He humorously attributed his resurgence to finally breaking a seven-week period without alcohol. “I actually had a drink the other night because I wasn’t scoring any runs, so maybe that’s the key,” he said, highlighting the ups and downs of a competitive sporting career.
With their victory over Brisbane, the Strikers have moved into the top four of the BBL standings. Their next challenge awaits as they prepare for a difficult match against the Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium on January 7, 2024. After finishing at the bottom of the ladder last season, the team, now coached by Tim Paine, has revamped its lineup, integrating players such as England’s Luke Wood and Pakistan’s Hassan Ali to create a formidable international bowling attack.
Lynn expressed confidence in his team’s potential to make a strong playoff run this season. “The boys are dialled in, we’re locked in, we’re ready for a big campaign,” he stated. “Over the last couple of years, our depth hasn’t quite been there, but I think we’ve got the right mix.” As the BBL season progresses, all eyes will be on the Strikers to see if they can maintain their momentum and push for a return to the finals.
