WATCH: Massive fire at the Gabba during Big Bash League game leads to evacuation of fans

Unreal scenes were witnessed during the Big Bash League (BBL) game between defending champions Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes on Thursday. A massive fire engulfed one part of the ground near the giant electronic scoreboard. The incident happened at the end of the fourth over just as Michael Neser was about to bowl the next. 

One ground attendant was quick to rush to the spot and try to douse out the fire. Fans were seen being asked to evacuate the stands as the game was held for a while. This is the first time an incident of such nature has been seen in cricketing field. The delay in play was just minor as the game restarted as soon as the situation was brought under control.

Meanwhile in the BBL, the Gabba is on fire and fans are being evacuated. #BBL14pic.twitter.com/LFmrruczBb

— Tyson Whelan (@tyson_whelan) January 16, 2025

Nathan Ellis won the toss and put the hosts into bat on what looked a great surface for the batters. Hobart Hurricanes have already qualified for the playoffs. Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers have also made it to the knockout phase of the tournament. Brisbane on the other hand are in the race with both Melbourne teams as well as Adelaide and Perth. 

Marnus Labuschagne leads Brisbane to huge score of 201

Put into bat first, Brisbane Heat lost Nathan McSweeney for 1 when he was dismissed by Marcus Bean. Skipper Usman Khawaja was joined by Marnus Labuschagne as the pair added 25 runs for the second wicket in 12 balls. That stand was broken when Khawaja was out for 23 dismissed by his opposite number Nathan Ellis. 

Khawaja scored his runs from just nine balls with three fours and a six. Labuschagne and Matt Renshaw then added 69 runs for the third wicket in 37 balls. The pair ran well between the wickets and scored boundaries at will. Renshaw was batting on 40 when confusion between the wickets led to his dismissal. 

The best batter for the hosts was Marnus Labuschagne who hit 77 off 44 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes. Tom Alsop then gave the hosts the momentum in the final overs with 39 off 27 balls as Brisbane scored 201/6 from their 20 overs. Nathan Ellis was the best bowler for Hobart with 3/42 from his four overs.