The partnership-breaking ability of Marnus Labuschagne proved key in Brisbane’s remarkable comeback win over Hobart
Brisbane Heat skipper Usman Khawaja has credited gutsy field changes and the “annoyance of Marnus” for a miraculous win that has kept their KFC BBL|15 finals hopes firmly alive.
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.
The Heat meanwhile have jumped up to fourth and can secure a spot in the finals with victory over 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 batter 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.”
KFC BBL|15 standings
Team
Matches played
M
Wins
W
Losses
L
Ties
T
No results
N/R
Net Run Rate
NRR
Deductions
Ded.
Total points
PTS
1
HUR
10
6
3
0
1
0.331
0
13
2
STA
9
6
3
0
0
1.031
0
12
3
SCO
8
5
3
0
0
1.162
0
10
4
HEA
9
5
4
0
0
-0.375
0
10
5
SIX
8
4
3
0
1
0.458
0
9
6
STR
9
3
6
0
0
-0.625
0
6
7
REN
8
3
5
0
0
-0.686
0
6
8
THU
9
2
7
0
0
-1.182
0
4
Legend
M: Matches played
W: Wins
L: Losses
T: Ties
N/R: No results
NRR: Net Run Rate
Ded.: Deductions
PTS: Total points
