Zaman Khan's death-bowling prowess leads Heat to sensational victory in BBL

HOBART: Pakistan international pacer Zaman Khan displayed nerves of steel to successfully defend six runs off the final over for Brisbane Heat against home side Hobart Hurricanes in the enthralling 35th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 here at the Bellerive Oval on Wednesday.

The Hurricanes, chasing a daunting 161-run target, required six off the final over, with middle-order batter Nikhil Chaudhary and captain Nathan Ellis, unbeaten on 16 and one, respectively.

Entrusted to bowl the final over by captain Usman Khawaja, Zaman started with a low full toss to Ellis, who could holed it back to him on his follow-through.

He then bowled a full and wide delivery, which Ellis slashed towards the deep third-man for a single. Zaman followed it up with two consecutive dot balls, which put the Hurricanes batters under intense pressure.

Consequently, Chaudhary faltered under pressure and punched a slower delivery outside off-stump straight to Michael Neser stationed at long-on.

With five required off the final delivery, Zaman Khan continued his discipline and bowled a full and wide delivery, which the newly-arrived batter Rishad Hossain could work for a single towards the deep point.

Zaman's sensational final over helped him finish with economical bowling figures of 1/29. Xavier Bartlett, however, led the wicket-taking chart with three scalps, followed by Matthew Kuhnemann with two, while Marnus Labuschagne and Neser also chipped in with one apiece.

Ben McDermott remained the top-scorer for the Hurricanes with a 36-ball 59, followed by Beau Webster, who made 51 off 43 deliveries.

The duo also shared a 98-run partnership for the third wicket, which had the Heat in control until both perished in successive overs, which sparked a match-defining collapse.

Put into bat first, the Heat accumulated 160/8 in their stipulated 20 overs, courtesy of a collective effort.

Nathan McSweeney top-scored with a brisk 49 off 32 deliveries, laced with seven boundaries, while Matt Renshaw also made a handy contribution with a 25-ball 37.

Riley Meredith was the pick of the bowlers for the Hurricanes, taking three wickets for 40 runs in his four overs, followed by Ellis and Rishad with two each, while Webster could bag one.

The sensational victory lifted Brisbane Heat to fourth position in the BBL 2025-26 standings with 10 points in nine matches, while Hobart Hurricanes remained at the summit with 13 points in a game more.