Cricket enthusiasts witnessed pure T20 mayhem as Hobart Hurricanes defended a modest total to beat Brisbane Heat by just three runs in the Big Bash League. The pulsating encounter went down to the wire, with the Heat needing 4 runs off the final ball but managing only one.
Electing to bat first, the Hurricanes posted 167/5 in their 20 overs. Matthew Wade’s gritty 40 and Caleb Jewell’s explosive 38 formed the bedrock of the innings. The acceleration came from D’Arcy Short, who hammered 30 off 14 balls, ensuring a competitive score on a pitch offering some turn.
Brisbane Heat’s chase was a rollercoaster. Openers Max Bryant and Usman Khawaja added 56 before the latter fell for 29. Bryant’s 44 provided stability, but it was Jimmy Peirson’s counter-attacking 51 off 29 that ignited hopes. The middle order faltered under pressure from Hobart’s spin attack.
In the tense final over bowled by Riley Meredith, Heat needed 7 off 2 balls. Neser smashed a six, but Meredith held his nerve to restrict them to 164. Meredith finished with 2/29, earning hero status. This dramatic triumph boosts Hurricanes’ net run rate significantly.
Post-match, Hurricanes coach praised the bowlers’ composure under pressure. For Heat, the loss stings, especially after dominating much of the chase. With semifinals looming, both sides gear up for crucial clashes ahead in the BBL calendar.