In a season defined by high-stakes encounters, the 35th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 stood out as a tactical masterclass and a showcase of nerves. On January 14, 2026, the Hobart Hurricanes hosted the Brisbane Heat at the Bellerive Oval—rebranded for the occasion as the Ninja Stadium. With the playoffs looming, the Heat managed to snatch a three-run victory from the jaws of defeat, leaving the Hobart faithful in stunned silence and keeping their own finals hopes very much alive.
The Toss and Early Strategy
The evening began under clear skies with a slight chill in the air as the temperature hovered around 15.8°C. Winning the toss, the Hobart Hurricanes elected to field first, a decision likely influenced by the humidity levels and the historical preference for chasing at this venue. The Hurricanes’ bowling attack, led by the pace of Riley Meredith and the tactical leadership of Nathan Ellis, looked to exploit the early movement. Despite the pressure, the Heat’s opening pair of Usman Khawaja and Jack Wildermuth attempted to set a steady platform. While Wildermuth fell early to a sharp delivery from Meredith for just 6, Khawaja’s 19 provided the initial stability required to weather the storm.
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Heat’s Mid-Innings Surge
The momentum shifted significantly when Nathan McSweeney joined Matt Renshaw at the crease. McSweeney was the protagonist of the first innings, striking a brisk 49 off 32 balls, decorated with seven boundaries. His partnership with Renshaw, who contributed a valuable 37 from 25 deliveries, allowed the Heat to accelerate through the middle overs. The pair put on 50 runs in just 27 balls, effectively nullifying the Hurricanes’ spin threat. Max Bryant added a late flourish with 20 off 14, ensuring that despite a flurry of late wickets—including a three-wicket haul for Riley Meredith—the Brisbane Heat finished with a competitive total of 160 for 8 after their 20 overs.
Hurricanes’ Controlled Chase
The Hobart Hurricanes’ reply started poorly when Tim Ward was dismissed for a single run in the first over by Matthew Kuhnemann. However, what followed was a masterclass in middle-order batting. Ben McDermott and Beau Webster took command of the game, building a massive partnership that seemed to put the result beyond doubt. McDermott was particularly aggressive, reaching a blistering half-century in just 25 balls, eventually finishing with 59 from 36 deliveries. His knock included three fours and three sixes. Beside him, Webster played the anchor role to perfection, compiling 51 runs off 43 balls. By the 14th over, Hobart sat comfortably at 124 for 2, needing just 37 runs from the remaining 36 balls with eight wickets in hand.
The Dramatic Collapse
Cricket is often a game of sudden turns, and the final five overs at Hobart proved exactly that. The dismissal of Webster by Marnus Labuschagne triggered a catastrophic slide. The Hurricanes’ middle order, featuring big names like Matthew Wade and international recruit Rehan Ahmed, struggled to find their rhythm against a rejuvenated Heat attack. Wade managed only 11 before falling to Michael Neser, and Chris Jordan was dismissed for a duck. Hobart lost six wickets for a meager 32 runs in the closing stages. The pressure mounted as Xavier Bartlett and Matthew Kuhnemann squeezed the run rate, with Kuhnemann finishing with pivotal figures of 2 for 24, eventually earning him the Player of the Match award.
Zaman Khan’s Final Over Heroics
The game reached its crescendo in the final over, with the Hurricanes needing just seven runs for victory. The ball was handed to Zaman Khan, the Pakistani pace sensation known for his unconventional action and deadly yorkers. Facing him was Nikhil Chaudhary and the lower order. Khan delivered a masterclass in death bowling, conceding only three runs and claiming the wicket of Chaudhary with a perfectly disguised delivery. With Rishad Hossain only able to manage a single off the final ball, the Brisbane Heat secured a miracle three-run win. The victory was a testament to the Heat’s resilience, turning a certain defeat into a season-defining triumph and leaving the Hurricanes to rue a missed opportunity at their home fortress.
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