Fri Jan 17 01:39:21 UTC 2025: ## Gabba Fire Delays Game, But Can’t Stop Hurricanes’ Thrilling Big Bash Win

**Brisbane, QLD –** A dramatic Big Bash League match at the Gabba saw the Hobart Hurricanes snatch victory from the Brisbane Heat in a thrilling final-ball finish, despite a significant delay caused by an electrical fire in the DJ booth. The fire, which broke out beneath the scoreboard, caused a more than 10-minute stoppage as stadium staff worked to extinguish the flames.

Chasing 201, the Hurricanes looked in trouble early, but a stunning middle-order surge from Caleb Jewell (76), Mitch Owen (44), and Nikhil Chaudhary (39) put them back in contention. Poor Heat fielding, including missed catches by Nathan McSweeney and a dropped chance and byes conceded by wicketkeeper Tom Alsop, further aided the Hurricanes’ cause.

Spencer Johnson’s 3-26 kept the Heat in the game, leaving the Hurricanes needing 11 runs off the final six balls. A combination of aggressive batting and scrambling runs brought them within one run of victory before Matthew Wade smashed a six off the last ball to secure a memorable win for the Hurricanes.

Jewell expressed relief at the win, noting that similar situations in previous seasons had cost them games. The victory secures a top-two finish for the Hurricanes (7-1), setting them up for a home final.

The Heat (3-5), meanwhile, face a must-win game against the Melbourne Renegades on Saturday, needing other results to fall their way to reach the finals. Their loss was attributed to missed opportunities in the field and the costly dropped catches. Marnus Labuschagne, who top-scored for the Heat with a boundary-laden innings, expressed disappointment at the loss, despite his impressive personal performance. His final ball dismissal also came days before his departure for the Sri Lanka tour. There was also an injury scare for Heat spinner Matt Kuhnemann who left the field clutching his hand. The fire itself added an unusual element to an already intense contest.

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