SYDNEY: Brisbane Heat snatched a dramatic three-run victory over Hobart Hurricanes in a crucial Big Bash League match, keeping their season alive and shaking up the finals race.
Batting first, Heat posted 160 for 8, with Nathan McSweeney top-scoring with 49 and Matt Renshaw contributing a quick 37.
Hurricanes’ versatile bowling attack, featuring eight different bowlers, restricted Heat after a promising start of 110 for 2, leading to a late collapse.
Hurricanes seemed in control of the 161-run chase at 124 for 2, powered by Ben McDermott’s 59 and Beau Webster’s 51, including a crucial 98-run partnership.
However, they suffered a stunning collapse, losing 6 wickets for just 32 runs.
Heat’s fightback was sparked by Marnus Labuschagne’s legspin, which dismissed Webster and triggered the slide.
The match turned in the final over, with Hurricanes needing six runs.
Zaman Khan delivered an outstanding performance under pressure, holding his nerve and taking the key wicket of Nikhil Chaudhary off the penultimate ball to seal the win.
Earlier, Renshaw produced a brilliant boundary save in the 18th over to deny five runs.
Several dropped catches had hurt Heat earlier, including two by Max Bryant that let off McDermott cheaply.
Despite a strong Hurricanes bowling effort and a late injury to Chris Jordan, Heat’s resilience and Zaman’s composure delivered a remarkable comeback victory that could prove decisive in the race for the BBL title.
