Dominant Heat book semi-finals spot

Sammy-Jo Johnson has had a day out at the Gabba for the Brisbane Heat, who have cantered past the Melbourne Stars in less than 10 overs in their Rebel WBBL clash at the Gabba.

The player of the match took 3-12 on Thursday in an unplayable new-ball spell that helped to dismiss the Stars for 88.

And the allrounder made light work of a tricky run chase on a lively pitch, belting two sixes in a 14-ball 30 as the Heat won with 11.2 overs remaining.

The victory keeps the Heat (8-5) in third spot, two wins clear of the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers who have played one less game, and their competition-high net run rate of 1.178 means their spot in the play-offs is assured.

The Heat are due to play the Sydney Thunder on Saturday in Cairns before semi-finals begin later this month.

Melbourne were chasing their tails from the first ball when Johnson's out-swinging delivery had Lizelle Lee caught behind.

The Lismore product took two more wickets in a devastating three-over spell that left the Stars reeling at 3-14.

South African Mignon du Preez top-scored for the seventh-placed Stars with 27 from 35 balls through the middle overs.

Their innings continued to splutter until the final over, when Delissa Kimmince (4-18) took three wickets to end their innings abruptly.

Beth Mooney (14 off nine) then had the Heat out of the blocks before Johnson took charge and Jess Jonassen (34 not out off 14) finished the job.