Brisbane Heat skipper Usman Khawaja has credited gutsy field changes and the “annoyance of Marnus” for a miraculous Big Bash League win that has kept their finals hopes firmly alive.
The Hobart Hurricanes were in cruise control in pursuit of the Heat’s 8-160 before they lost 6-32 to go down by three runs at Ninja Stadium on Wednesday night.
Defending champions Hobart would have sewn up top spot and a home qualifying final with a win but could now finish as low as third.
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The Heat meanwhile have jumped up to fourth and can secure a spot in the finals with victory over the Sydney Sixers at home on Sunday.
Hobart were 2-124 in the 15th over when Beau Webster holed out off Marnus Labuschagne, ending a 98-run stand with Ben McDermott that had the home side in the box seat.
“I knew if we could get a wicket, that I could put pressure on a new batsman coming in,” Khawaja said.
“Leg spinners always manage to get a wicket and Marnie was stirring up McDermott and Webster anyway.
“He’s very annoying. We love him, but he’s annoying to the opposition.
“McDermott and Marnus are really good friends and I kind of play emotion sometimes too … let’s see if Marnus can get under their skin. And he got us a wicket.”
At that point, the Hurricanes needed a very gettable 37 from 35 balls with seven wickets in hand.
But the wheels fell off in a collapse that included 4-6 across the final three overs.
Quick Xavier Bartlett got rid of Rehan Ahmed and Chris Jordan for ducks in the second-last over, before Zaman Khan conceded just two off the final over as Hobart finished at 8-157.
Khawaja said he brought some of the fielders in closer for Bartlett with the goal of upping the pressure on the Hurricanes.
“You have to chance your arm a bit and when it comes off, it feels bloody good,” he said.
Khawaja said the result was huge for the Heat’s confidence — it was the first time they’ve notched back-to-back wins this season.
“The next game is big too but we’ve got control of our own destiny now which will be a big boost for the boys,” he said.
“We’ve given ourselves a chance.”
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