Aussie cricket fans have been left stunned after Matt Renshaw’s acrobatic ‘save’ in the field led to the Brisbane Heat winning a vital BBL clash against the Hobart Hurricanes. Hobart were in control of their run-chase against the Brisbane Heat on Wednesday night needing only 18 runs from 15 balls with six wickets in hand.
In a must-win clash for the Heat, Usman Khawaja turned to part-time spinner Marnus Labuschagne for the initial breakthrough. Hobart still appeared to be easing their way to the 180 total with six wickets in hand. Indian star Nikhil Chaudhary appeared to have launched a six off Michael Neser’s bowling, which would have taken the run-chase down to less than a run a ball.
Matt Renshaw’s (pictured right) acrobatic save in the field helped the Brisbane Heat defeat the Hobart Hurricanes by three runs. (images: Getty Images/Channel 7)
Except Renshaw had other plans and managed to jump high in the air on the boundary to catch the ball. Unfortunately for the fielder, momentum was taking Renshaw over the boundary and he managed to quickly flick the ball back into play all in one motion.
Renshaw’s acrobatics saved a six and kept the Heat in the contest. And some brilliant bowling in the final two overs from the Heat saw Hobart fail to reach their target falling three runs short. This is despite the side having two wickets in hand.
And while the bowling in the final two overs was fantastic, Renshaw’s effort in the field was also the difference. The Heat won by three runs and his effort saved this and more.
The Queensland opener’s form has been sensational in the Sheffield Shield this year, which has prompted calls for another baggy green opportunity. And his efforts for the Heat have also stood out with his team now handed an opportunity to play in the BBL finals.
Brisbane Heat’s late push for BBL finals
The victory over the Hurricanes has now ignited an exciting finish to the BBL season with the knockout stage approaching. Brisbane moved into fourth on the ladder having played nine games. They will need to defeat the Sydney Sixers this weekend to secure a finals position.
Khawaja was thrilled to have given his side a chance of playing in the knockout stage of the season. “The next game is big too but we’ve got control of our own destiny now which will be a big boost for the boys,” he said. “We’ve given ourselves a chance.”
The Hurricanes would have locked up a top two finish with a win, which would have seen them play at home during the finals. However, the Hurricanes now finish as low as third. The Melbourne Stars and the Perth Scorchers can both overtake the Hurricanes on the ladder if they win their remaining games.
Matthew Renshaw (pictured) made a match-winning play for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL.