'Got to be kidding': Cricket fans divided over chaotic T20 moment
The Big Bash clash between the Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes delivered one of the all-time classic finishes on Wednesday night, but the final umpire decision had some fans perplexed.
A sensational five-wicket haul from Afghan mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman was undone by a dramatic last-ball run-out as Hobart defeated Brisbane
AXED: Aussies make changes as Joe Burns' fate decided
MADNESS': Outrage as NSW backs Sydney Test despite Covid spike
Mujeeb picked up the best figures ever by a Heat bowler - and the fourth best in BBL history - by taking 5-15 off his four overs at the Gabba as Brisbane dismissed Hobart for 150.
But his efforts were in vain as the Heat finished on 8-149 off their 20 overs with Mark Steketee run out off the final ball chasing a tying score which would have forced the game into a super over.
Third umpire Phillip Gillespie decided Steketee's bat was short of the crease when it was grounded before bouncing up in the air as Colin Ingram's throw hit the stumps at the non-striker's end.
Cricket fans went berserk over the last-ball chaos, which resulted in a fascinating ending.
However, the frames shown on the broadcast had some fans on social media scratching their heads to whether Steketee had grounded his bat over the crease before the zinger bails were dislodged.
Under the rules, if the bat had bounced back into the air after making the crease, Steketee would be safe.
You've GOT to be kidding!!
By the narrowest of margins, the @HurricanesBBL beat the Heat 😮 #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/vv1WmYtMkI— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 30, 2020
Brisbane Heat ended up losing this game by one run due to this run-out.
The barest of margins...#BBL10
pic.twitter.com/2OJRl6Q2sN— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) December 30, 2020
Still can't believe this finish last night! #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/hcmHiZqaHI
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 30, 2020
Wow, just saw the finish last night in #bbl10.
What a throw by @CAIngram41!— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) December 30, 2020
So apparently this is not grounded? Spare me @BBL! #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/isp4sKHtaa
— Mitch (@long_mitch) December 30, 2020
If you see the video, the ball clearly deflects when it goes past the stumps.
The images are misleading, IMO.#BBL10 https://t.co/yE9jxre8Gl— Sumeet Mate (@Wr0ng_Un) December 30, 2020
Is this not grounded? pic.twitter.com/CFLhRnhKhM
— Nicole Indie Ryanne (@IndieRyanne) December 30, 2020
Is it out or not? Why Third umpire took quick decision? #bbl10 @BBL @HeatBBL @HurricanesBBL @mufaddal_vohra @CricCrazyJohns @pratik_0906 pic.twitter.com/JFGf1I7LAP
— Pratik Naikwade🇮🇳 (@naikwade_pratik) December 30, 2020
Heat accept controversial decision
Despite uncertainty over whether Steketee's bat had actually been short of the line, Heat captain Jimmy Peirson accepted the call after viewing a replay post-match.
"I had a brief look just then ... and it looked like the bat did bounce before the line," Peirson said.
"I'd love to have a real good look at it but we (have to) look within, we can't blame that or whinge about that.
"We got ourselves in a situation where we should have put that game to bed with the bat, we didn't do that."
The first Twenty20 five-wicket haul in 19-year-old Mujeeb's career eclipsed West Indian Samuel Badree's 5-22 against Melbourne Stars in 2016 as the best bowling by a Heat player.
His effort, which included three wickets in four balls in the penultimate over of the Hurricanes' innings, is the best return in the BBL since Dan Christian's 5-14 for Hobart against Adelaide in 2017.
with AAP
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.