Heat defeat Hurricanes amid catch controversy that left commentators scratching heads

Brisbane Heat has claimed victory over Hobart, chasing down a small total after Hurricanes captain Matthew Wade was controversially given his marching orders in a bizarre dismissal.

THE Hurricanes’ Big Bash batting fragilities were overshadowed by the controversial dismissal of Matthew Wade as their rollercoaster campaign continued at the Gabba.

A week after plastering a franchise record 3-212 at Blundstone Arena, the Brisbane Heat turned destroyers with the ball on their home turf last night.

In his first appearance for the tournament Wade scored a 46-ball 61 to adequately fill the void left by fellow opener D’Arcy Short (ODI duties) but his teammates once again failed to contribute in the five-wicket loss.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 09: Tom Rogers of the Hurricanes drops a ball during the Big Bash League match between the Brisbane Heat and the Hobart Hurricanes at the Gabba on January 09, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

The visitors scraped together 9-126 – having slumped to 5-59 in the ninth over when Ben McDermott was left high and dry in a horror mix up with Wade – a total well under par only for the hosts to get the wobbles on route to overhauling the target with 10 balls spare.

An inspired spell from Scott Boland (3-16) and some fielding magic from George Bailey to run out danger man Chris Lynn kept the Hurricanes in the contest before consecutive sixes to Ben Cutting in the 16th over whittled the equation into comfortable territory for the Heat.

However it was Wade’s departure which was the major talking point.

Matthew Wade of the Hurricanes in action during the Big Bash League (BBL) cricket match between the Brisbane Heat and the Hobart Hurricanes at The Gabba in Brisbane, Thursday, January 9, 2020. Picture: AAP IMAGE/DARREN ENGLAND

Hobart’s captain launched Cutting high to long on in the 15th over, where Matt Renshaw took a catch just inside the rope before his momentum carried him over it.

Renshaw flicked the ball up in the air to himself then, while still outside the boundary, jumped in the air and tapped it back to Tom Banton inside the field of play.

The third umpire initially gave the decision not out, but after several minutes of deliberation overturned it.

A rule change in October 2013 meant the correct decision was made, with the catch deemed legal as Renshaw’s first contact with the ball was while he was still inside the boundary.

Still the catch was a major talking point on social media, with a host of current national and international players expressing their shock.

Ultimately Wade’s departure, just as he looked like he was about to up the ante, stunted any hopes of a competitive total.

After tinkering with their batting line-up the Hurricanes were reduced to 3-43 in their powerplay as the moves of Simon Milenko (six) and Bailey (golden duck) up the order failed.

Matthew Renshaw of the Heat celebrates after dismissing Matthew Wade of the Hurricanes during the Big Bash League match between the Brisbane Heat and the Hobart Hurricanes at the Gabba on January 09, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Import David Miller’s struggles continued when he chopped a Ben Laughlin slower ball back onto his stumps for just two, before McDermott was left stranded when Wade drove a ball straight to Joe Burns at cover and took off for a suicidal single.

[e-mail]