A sensational last-ball finish in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) saw Brisbane Heat denied victory by one run, with a controversial run-out decision proving decisive.

The game was action-packed throughout. Afghanistan mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman had claimed first-innings figures of 5-15 to keep Hobart Hurricanes to 150, only for the Peter Handscomb-led side to bounce back strongly. The Brisbane Heat chase was quickly left in tatters as Riley Meredith and Scott Boland reduced them to 8-3 in the third over.

From there, a series of cameos kept Jimmy Peirson’s side in the contest, with the equation coming down to two runs needed to win off the final ball, or one to take it to a super over. No.10 Mark Steketee hit a low full toss into the in-field and set off for a quick single, and at first glance it appeared he had just made his ground.

However, replays showed it was much closer than it first seemed, with replays showing Steketee’s bat had bounced up at the point when the bails came off. An ICC regulation introduced in 2017 allows batsmen to be reprieved in such circumstances, as long as their bats have been grounded behind the crease first, and whether Steketee had managed to do so became the matter of fierce debate.

The third umpire, however, was very quick to make his decision, with his haste questioned by users on social media. While one slo-mo side on angle shows his bat clearly in the air in the first frame after crossing the line, others suggested it was an exceedingly tight call.

Third umpire was in a hurry!! Decision was given after one replay

— Ashutosh (@shutosh_m) December 30, 2020

Watch the controversial moment below.

ABSOLUTE SCENES AT THE GABBA!

A final ball direct hit by Colin Ingram, Mark Steketee's bat is in the air and @HurricanesBBL win by ONE RUN!#BBL10 pic.twitter.com/ihINu23DE9

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 30, 2020