Brisbane Heat captain Usman Khawaja has pointed to courageous field placements and the persistent agitation of Marnus Labuschagne as the catalysts for a stunning Big Bash League victory that has resurrected their playoff campaign.
A Collapse for the Ages at Ninja Stadium
The remarkable turnaround unfolded at Hobart's Ninja Stadium on Wednesday night. The Heat had posted a competitive 8-160 from their 20 overs, a total the Hobart Hurricanes appeared to be chasing with ease. The home side was cruising at 2-124 in the 15th over, needing just 37 more runs from 35 deliveries with seven wickets in hand.
The partnership between Ben McDermott and Beau Webster, worth 98 runs, had the Hurricanes in what seemed an unassailable position. However, the dismissal of Webster, caught off the bowling of Labuschagne, triggered an incredible collapse. The Hurricanes lost 6-32, crumbling to finish at 8-157 and handing the Heat a nail-biting three-run win.
The 'Annoyance' Factor and Tactical Gambles
Khawaja revealed that the calculated 'annoyance' of Marnus Labuschagne played a key psychological role. "He's very annoying. We love him, but he's annoying to the opposition," Khawaja said with a laugh. Knowing of the friendship between Labuschagne and McDermott, Khawaja actively encouraged the leg-spinner to get under the batsmen's skin. "I kind of play emotion sometimes too ... let's see if Marnus can get under their skin. And he got us a wicket."
The skipper also credited his own daring decision to bring fielders in closer for paceman Xavier Bartlett during the tense final stages. "You have to chance your arm a bit and when it comes off, it feels bloody good," Khawaja admitted. The gamble paid off spectacularly, with Bartlett removing Rehan Ahmed and Chris Jordan for ducks in the penultimate over before Zaman Khan conceded just two runs in a nerve-wracking final over.
Finals Landscape Dramatically Reshaped
The result has major implications for the BBL finals series. Defending champions Hobart Hurricanes would have secured top spot and a home qualifying final with a victory. Instead, they now face the possibility of finishing as low as third on the ladder.
For the Brisbane Heat, the victory is a massive confidence boost, marking the first time this season they have secured back-to-back wins. The result propels them up to fourth place on the table. Their finals fate is now squarely in their own control; a victory over the Sydney Sixers at home on Sunday will guarantee them a playoff berth.
"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," a pleased Khawaja stated. "We've given ourselves a chance." The Heat's miraculous escape has set up a thrilling climax to the regular season, proving once again that in the Big Bash, no game is ever truly over.
