Zaman Khan held his nerve under immense pressure as Brisbane Heat pulled off a stunning three-run victory over Hobart Hurricanes, keeping their Big Bash League season alive in a match that could have significant implications for the finals race.
Defending a modest total of 160 at the Gabba, the Heat looked all but beaten when the Hurricanes cruised to 124 for 2 in pursuit. What followed, however, was a dramatic collapse, with Hobart losing six wickets for just 32 runs to fall agonisingly short at 157 for 8.
Needing six runs from the final over, Hurricanes’ hopes rested on keeping wickets in hand. Zaman, though, produced a superb closing spell, mixing his pace cleverly and holding his composure. The turning point came off the penultimate delivery when he dismissed Nikhil Chaudhary, effectively sealing a remarkable win and sparking jubilant celebrations from the Heat players.
The final moments capped a frantic finish in which Brisbane also benefited from outstanding fielding. Matt Renshaw saved five crucial runs with a brilliant stop on the deep midwicket boundary in the 18th over, a moment that proved decisive given the narrow margin of victory.
Earlier, Brisbane’s batting effort had appeared underwhelming. After being sent in, they reached 110 for 2 but failed to capitalise, slumping to 160 for 8 as Hobart’s deep and versatile bowling attack applied sustained pressure. The Hurricanes used eight bowlers throughout the innings, successfully stifling Brisbane’s scoring options in the latter stages.
Nathan McSweeney anchored the innings with a composed 49, while Renshaw added impetus with a fluent 37. However, once that partnership was broken, wickets tumbled rapidly. Riley Meredith was the standout with the ball, finishing with 3 for 40, while Hobart’s bowlers were clinical at the death. Brisbane’s late collapse saw them lose six wickets for 59 runs, leaving them vulnerable.
Hobart’s chase began shakily with early wickets to slump to 26 for 2, as Tim Ward and Mitchell Owen departed in the powerplay. The complexion of the match changed when Ben McDermott was reprieved on 1 after being dropped at deep square leg by Max Bryant. It proved costly, as McDermott and Beau Webster combined for a crucial 98-run partnership that put the Hurricanes firmly in control.
McDermott was handed another lifeline on 38 when Bryant again failed to hold a chance on the boundary. Webster, too, rode his luck, surviving a near-miraculous one-handed attempt by McSweeney at deep square leg. At that stage, the Heat appeared destined to rue missed opportunities.
The breakthrough finally came in the 15th over when Marnus Labuschagne’s legspin accounted for Webster, triggering a stunning collapse. From there, Brisbane’s bowlers tightened the screws, and wickets fell in quick succession. McDermott top-scored with 59, while Webster added a vital 51, but neither could finish the job.
For Brisbane, the win was vital. Needing victories in their final two matches to stay in contention, the Heat fielded their strongest XI of the season, boosted by the return of Michael Neser. The Hurricanes, by contrast, missed a chance to lock in two home finals and potentially top the ladder.
The match also carried a late concern for Hobart, with Chris Jordan unable to bowl his final over after rolling his ankle despite an otherwise excellent spell.
In the end, Zaman Khan’s ice-cold final over proved the difference, delivering Brisbane Heat a dramatic lifeline and leaving the Hurricanes stunned in one of the most gripping finishes of the season.
