Cricket world stunned after 'biggest choke' in Big Bash history

The Brisbane Heat have lost the unthinkable against the Hobart Hurricanes after failing to chase down 120 after a brilliant final over in the Big Bash. It seemed all but certain the Heat would glide to victory in Launceston needing 16 runs from the final three overs with five wickets in hand.

However, the Heat imploded as top-scorer Jimmy Peirson (39 from 37) fell to Nathan Ellis in an 18th over that went for just four runs. Joel Paris followed up Ellis' brilliant over to dismiss Michael Neser and conceded just two.

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This left the Heat needing 10 runs off the final over. Tim Bazley hit a six off the third-last ball, but it came down to the final ball. Bazley needed a four to win the match but could only squeeze a single, leaving the Heat at 8-118.

The commentators were left rightfully stunned at the Heat meltdown in the final three overs. "This is unbelievable," commentator Brendan Julian said.

"The Heat have lost the unloseable there," Aussie cricket great Mark Waugh added. "The Hurricanes have got out of jail there."

Ellis picked up man of the match for his 2-26 figures and his vital final overs. Cricket fans were quick to express their disbelief at one of the all-time meltdowns in Big Bash history.

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The loss means the Heat failed to secure third spot in the Big Bash. They could finish either fourth or fifth, depending on the result of the Thunder and Stars match at the MCG.

Ellis, who received man-of-the-match, was thrilled at the incredible finish for his team. "What a game. We obviously took a risk bowling myself and Riley (Meredith) out early," he said on FoxCricket.

"We knew full well that Tim (David) was going to have to bowl the 20th (over). Fortunately it just came off. We got a couple of wickets at the right time. For Tim as a part-time off-spinner to do that. It was unbelievable. It was just one of those days where any time we came up with a plan it came off."

The Hurricanes earlier wobbled to 9-120 after losing the toss and being sent in to bat. Mac Wright was their sole lone spark with the bat on a tricky pitch, scoring a run-a-ball 56 in his first match of the summer.

Marnus Labuschagne pulled off two sharp outfield catches - a low diving effort to get rid of Ben McDermott (two from seven balls) and an overhead grab to remove danger man David (four from six). Rookie left-arm quick Spencer Johnson was impressive early (2-20 from four overs) and at the death.

with AAP

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