Heat vs Hurricanes, 35th Match at Hobart, BBL Jan 14 2026

Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes went head-to-head in the 35th match of the 2026 Big Bash League at Bellerive Oval, Hobart, and it was a real nail-biter! What seemed like an easy win for the Hurricanes turned into a total shocker. Brisbane Heat pulled off a crazy victory, defending just six runs in the last over to win by three. This win not only kept Heat in the running for the finals but also stirred up the points table and got everyone talking about handling pressure, team balance, and what to do in those final overs.

The Scene

The Hurricanes were sitting pretty at the top of the table coming into this game, looking good for a win on their home turf. Brisbane Heat, on the other hand, were in a must-win situation, needing to grab some wins to stay in the competition. So, yeah, the pressure was on, and both teams put out their best players.

The Hurricanes had been crushing it all season, while Heat struggled to stay consistent, especially when playing away. This game was a test of Heat’s guts and Hurricanes’ ability to stay cool under pressure.

Brisbane Heat’s Turn at Bat Was Just Ok

After losing the coin toss and being asked to bat first, Brisbane Heat never totally found their groove. Usman Khawaja, the captain, got off to a decent start but couldn’t turn it into a big score. Nathan McSweeney played it smart, holding the innings together with 49, and Matt Renshaw chipped in with some key runs in the middle.

But even with these contributions, Heat couldn’t really get going. The Hurricanes bowled well and took wickets regularly, stopping any big hitting towards the end. Rishad Hossain and Riley Meredith kept the pressure on, and the Hurricanes switched up their bowlers to break partnerships. In the end, Heat finished with 160 for 8, which didn’t seem like enough on a good batting pitch.

That’s where the first debate of the night started. A lot of people thought Brisbane Heat should have scored another 15 or 20 runs, especially with some big hitters still waiting to bat. The choices they made with the power surge and not hitting enough boundaries in the last few overs became a point of discussion.

Hurricanes Start Strong, Then Stumble

The Hobart Hurricanes began their chase confidently, even after losing a couple of early wickets. Tim Ward and Mitchell Owen didn’t last long, but Ben McDermott and Beau Webster recovered things with a smooth partnership. Their 98-run stand looked like they had sealed the game for Brisbane Heat.

McDermott was in total control, hitting the ball cleanly, while Webster played his role. At 124 for 2, the Hurricanes only needed 37 runs from 34 balls with eight wickets still in hand. People were already celebrating, and Heat looked lost.

This part of the match showed how strong the Hurricanes’ batting lineup is and how well they can recover under pressure. It also showed Heat’s struggles to find breakthroughs in the middle overs.

The Game-Changer and the Sudden Mess

Cricket’s all about key moments, right? The big change came when Marnus Labuschagne got Beau Webster out, breaking that partnership. That one wicket caused a crazy collapse. The Hurricanes started losing wickets fast, and you could feel the panic setting in.

Matthew Wade got out trying to rush things. Rehan Ahmed and Chris Jordan didn’t even score. The crowd went silent as something that seemed impossible started to become real. The run rate went up, and suddenly the Hurricanes were facing a really tense finish.

This collapse made you wonder if the Hurricanes could handle the pressure. A team that had been dominating all season looked completely shaken when it mattered most.

Zaman Khan’s Big Over and He Gains Hero Status

The final over was what everyone will remember from this match. The Hurricanes needed just six runs from six balls with wickets to spare. Zaman Khan, playing only his second BBL game, got the ball. What happened next was insane.

He bowled six amazing balls, mixing yorkers and slower balls, not giving the batters any room to hit. He even got the important wicket of Nikhil Chaudhary and only gave up two runs. The Hurricanes couldn’t hit a boundary, and Brisbane Heat somehow won by three runs.

Everyone’s talking about Zaman Khan’s final over being one of the best under-pressure overs in BBL history. Former players, fans, and analysts all praised his cool head, accuracy, and confidence. That performance instantly made him a fan favorite and boosted his reputation as a death-over specialist.

Matthew Kuhnemann’s Impact and Well Deserved Player of the Match Award

While Zaman Khan stole the show at the end, Matthew Kuhnemann quietly played a huge role throughout the match. His figures of 2 for 24 frustrated the Hurricanes in the middle overs and put on the squeeze that led to their collapse later on.

Kuhnemann got both Tim Ward and Ben McDermott out, breaking those key partnerships. His control and variety earned him the Player of the Match award. Many people think his bowling set the stage for that epic finish.

This match showed how Kuhnemann is becoming a key player in the Heat lineup and how well he can perform when the pressure’s on.

Problems and Talking Points

You can’t have a thriller without a bit of drama, and this game had its share. Hurricanes fans questioned some of the umpire’s calls, especially the wide calls in the final over. Some people thought at least one of those balls should have been called wide, which could have changed the result.

There was also some discussion about the Hurricanes’ team selection and batting order. Sending Rehan Ahmed in to bat before some more experienced players raised eyebrows. Some said that the coaching made this too complicated and that choice cost them the match.

Another issue was Chris Jordan’s injury. He couldn’t finish his bowling spell because of an ankle problem, which meant the Hurricanes had to change their bowling plans. Some believe this messed up their rhythm and helped Heat hang on.

What This Means for the BBL Table and the Finals

This result is a big deal for the Big Bash League standings. The Hobart Hurricanes missed their chance to lock in two home finals and stay way ahead at the top. Their loss makes it possible for the Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars to challenge for the top spot.

For Brisbane Heat, this win keeps their hopes for the finals alive. They’ve moved up to fourth place, and suddenly their season has a new lease on life. What looked like a fading season has turned into a real shot at the playoffs.

The race to the finals is wide open now, with a bunch of teams still in the running. This one match has changed the whole picture of the tournament.

Achievements and Records

Zaman Khan’s final over is now one of the best-defended final overs in BBL history. Matthew Kuhnemann’s super-economical bowling is another big moment in his career. Xavier Bartlett’s three wickets also played a key role in keeping the Hurricanes in check towards the end.

Even though they lost, Ben McDermott’s 59 and Beau Webster’s 51 were great innings under pressure. Nathan McSweeney’s 49 near the top for Heat showed a lot of maturity.

In terms of cool achievements, this match will be remembered for Heat’s toughness and the Hurricanes’ unexpected meltdown.

The Mental Game and the Pressure

This game wasn’t just about hitting runs and taking wickets. It was a head game. The Hurricanes seemed to lose their focus when the end was in sight, while Heat, who had nothing to lose, played freely and with confidence.

Zaman Khan’s coolness under pressure was the opposite of the Hurricanes’ panic. That mental edge can often make the difference between good teams and championship teams, and Brisbane Heat won that battle on this night.

Fan Fever and Social Media Frenzy

Social media went crazy after the match. Fans were calling Zaman Khan a hero, calling his over “unbelievable” and “pure magic.” Hurricanes fans were frustrated and couldn’t believe what happened, with many calling it the worst collapse of the season.

Commentators called the match one of the best BBL games in recent years. The saying “snatching defeat from the jaws of victory” was trending everywhere, which kind of summed up the Hurricanes’ night.

To Sum Up – A Game We’ll All Remember

The Heat vs Hurricanes game was more than just another match. It was a story of pressure, confidence, collapse, drama, and heroics. Brisbane Heat’s three-run win in Hobart will be remembered for years, mainly because of Zaman Khan’s amazing final over and Matthew Kuhnemann’s disciplined bowling.

For the Hurricanes, it was a tough lesson that you can’t take anything for granted until the very end. For Heat, it was proof that courage and good decision-making can turn things around in any situation.

As the Big Bash League heads towards the finals, this game has set the tone for a wild and exciting finish. If the rest of the games are half as good as this one, fans are in for a BBL season to remember.