Jewell, Owen extend Hurricanes' juggernaut

Celeb Jewell (76 off 49) and Mitchell Owen (44 off 20) spearheaded a tough run chase to propel Hobart Hurricanes to a five-wicket win over Brisbane Heat at the Gabba. Chasing 202, the opening duo put on 80 off just 6.5 overs with Owen the aggressor. He fell after a breezy cameo but Jewell batted deeper into the innings with Nikhil Chaudhary (39 off 27) also contributing.

A late wobble got the game close before Matthew Wade and Jake Doran saw off the game off the final ball. The Hurricanes' win extends their unbeaten streak to eight games this season (seven wins and a no-result), strengthening their position at the top of the points table.

Earlier, Marnus Labuschagne celebrated his return to the BBL with a fluent 44-ball 77, the backbone of the Heat innings. Usman Khawaja belted a nine-ball 23 at the start, but Nathan McSweeney fell cheaply and Khawaja departed against the run of play. Labuschagne combined with Matt Renshaw (40 off 25) for a 69-run stand.

Renshaw was run out, and Max Bryant departed cheaply, putting Heat in danger. Tom Alsop (39 off 27) joined Labuschagne for an impactful 85-run stand, guiding the Heat towards a strong total. Nathan Ellis (3-42) was the most successful bowler for the Hurricanes while debutant Marcus Bean (1-32) impressed.

The Hurricanes faced a challenge chasing against Heat's new-ball heavy bowling unit. Fortunately, the Gabba surface was among the best batting pitches of the season. Heat's opening bowlers created chances, but both were spilled. Spencer Johnson got the dangerous Owen out, and Mitchell Swepson dismissed Charlie Wakim for a duck.

The Jewell-Chaudhary partnership added 81 for the third wicket, putting Hurricanes in the box seat. However, the power surge brought their dismissals, allowing Heat back into the game. Johnson broke another crucial partnership, dismissing Tim David in the penultimate over.

Wade and Doran held their nerve, with Doran getting a streaky boundary in the final over. With a single needed off the final ball, Wade slog-swept a six to seal the win.

Brief scores:

Brisbane Heat 201/6 in 20 overs (Marnus Labuschagne 77; Nathan Ellis 3-42) lost to Hobart Hurricanes 207/5 in 20 overs (Celeb Jewell 76; Spencer Johnson 3-26) by five wickets.