The Hobart Hurricanes need to chase 161 runs to secure an invaluable finals advantage, as a 21-ball collapse put the Brisbane Heat’s top four hopes in jeopardy.
Having already locked in a top four finish, the Hurricanes can secure top spot with a victory at Ninja Stadium, which could see them play solely in Tasmania for the remainder of the tournament.
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The equation is less simple for the visiting Heat, who will need to win both of their remaining fixtures this home-and-away season to make sure of a finals spot.
MATCH CENTRE:Hurricanes vs. Heat live scores, stats and more
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‘FUNKY’ CHANGE FROM WORKING METHOD THAT OPENED DOOR FOR COLLAPSE
Seasoned campaigners Nathan McSweeney and Matt Renshaw steadied the Brisbane Heat’s ship with a quick-fire 64-run partnership for the third wicket during the middle overs, but their downfall proved to be an “opening” for the reigning premiers on Wednesday night.
After half a dozen boundaries between them, the duo went 23 balls without a boundary before Renshaw’s innings came to a close with a hard hit to deep cover off the bowling of Rishad Hossain.
“They batted beautifully. Nathan McSweeney came out of the blocks so quickly (with) good orthodox batting,” Australian great Mark Waugh said on Fox Cricket during the innings break.
“Renshaw as usual was very hard to bowl to. He’s such an unorthodox player (and) got great leverage to hit it to any part of the ground.
“They just had a little period there before Renshaw got out where they slowed up a bit (and) started to get a bit funky… but that was the key partnership.”
Wicketkeeping great Brad Haddin added: “At the start of that partnership, it was all about timing and placement. But then, they got a bit cute — they tried to use the ramp shot and change the way they were playing.
“That was the opening the Hurricanes needed … that’s when the collapse started. It was off the back of some different batting when they had the game right there to dominate.”
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Intrigue surrounds the fitness of English import Chris Jordan, after the Hobart import left the field during the first innings with an ankle concern.
The 37-year-old veteran bowled economically for his first three overs, conceding just 19 runs with no wickets to show for his efforts.
But at the end of the 17th over, Jordan pulled up lamely after bowling the last delivery of his third over. It saw him stay on the field for a further three balls, but he ultimately had to go off the field in discomfort.
“He rolled his ankle at the end of the first innings, and has been receiving medical treatment during the innings break,” Fox Cricket reporter Eloise Sohier said boundary-side during the Hurricanes’ run chase.
“It’s a bit of a watch-and-wait situation, but he’s supposed to come in at No.8.”
Brad Haddin added: “Keep him away from this game, only if they desperately need it.”
Hobart Hurricanes XI: Mitchell Owen, Tim Ward, Beau Webster, Ben McDermott, Nikhil Chaudhary, Matthew Wade (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis (c), Rishad Hossain, Riley Meredith
Brisbane Heat XI: Usman Khawaja (c), Jack Wildermuth, Nathan McSweeney, Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Marnus Labuschagne, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Michael Neser, Xavier Barlett, Matt Kuhnemann, Zaman Khan
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