Usman Khawaja calls out 'annoying' act from Marnus Labuschagne that sparked BBL collapse

Brisbane Heat captain Usman Khawaja has revealed Marnus Labuschagne's 'annoying' act may have helped get under the skin of the Hobart Hurricanes' batters after his wicket sparked a late collapse. The Hurricanes were in the box seat in their clash against Brisbane on Wednesday night at 2-124 with Beau Webster and Ben McDermott both scoring half-centuries.

Hobart were only 36 runs away from victory in the 15th over, which prompted a change of tactics from captain Khawaja. The veteran turned to part-time spinner Labuschagne in a bid to break the partnership. And the cricket tactic worked with Webster caught for 51 on the boundary after attempting a slog sweep at Labuschagne's delivery.

The breakthrough prompted a collapse with the Hurricanes losing 6-32 to halt their momentum. And the Heat moved into fourth place on the ladder after the home side were not able to reach their target in a thrilling final-over.

And Khawaja praised Labuschagne after the match suggesting his ability to chirp away at the batters might have helped get under Webster's skin. "I knew if we could get a wicket, that I could put pressure on a new batsman coming in," Khawaja said.

"Leg spinners always manage to get a wicket and Marnie was stirring up McDermott and Webster anyway. He's very annoying. We love him, but he's annoying to the opposition. McDermott and Marnus are really good friends and I kind of play emotion sometimes too ... let's see if Marnus can get under their skin. And he got us a wicket."

Khawaja admitted it was a gamble to throw the ball to the part-time bowler, but it was satisfying to see the tactic work. "You have to chance your arm a bit and when it comes off, it feels bloody good," he said.

BBL finals takes a twist after Brisbane Heat win

The victory over the Hurricanes has now ignited an exciting finish to the BBL season. 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.

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