Rishad Hossain continued his impressive debut Big Bash League campaign with a composed and decisive spell for Hobart Hurricanes, conceding just six runs and taking two wickets in his final two overs against Brisbane Heat.
The Bangladesh leg-spinner finished with figures of 2 for 27 from four overs in Hobart’s final league-stage match, delivering his best work at the death to halt Brisbane’s momentum.
Rishad made a crucial impact in the 19th over, conceding only one run and dismissing Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne, effectively applying the brakes on the scoring rate at a key stage of the innings.
The 23-year-old bowled nine dot balls from his 24 deliveries, with the two fours and a six he conceded all coming in a single over earlier in the spell.
After Hobart lost the toss and were sent into the field, Rishad was introduced at the end of the powerplay. He allowed only five singles against Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, setting the tone with disciplined bowling.
He was briefly taken on in his second spell. Returning in the ninth over, Rishad conceded 16 runs as Matt Renshaw struck a four and a six, including a powerful pull shot over square leg.
However, Rishad responded strongly. In the 14th over, he conceded just five runs and removed Renshaw, who was caught at deep point attempting another aggressive shot.
Hobart captain Nathan Ellis then entrusted Rishad with the penultimate over, and the leg-spinner repaid that faith with a superb display. Labuschagne was dismissed attempting to clear the boundary, while Jimmy Peirson and Michael Neser were unable to score freely as pressure mounted.
Thanks to Rishad’s late burst and support from the rest of the attack, Hobart Hurricanes restricted Brisbane Heat to 160.
Playing his first Big Bash season, Rishad has made a strong impression. He now has 13 wickets from nine innings, with best figures of 3 for 26, underlining his growing value in the Hurricanes’ bowling attack.
