In the match, Brisbane Heat batted first and put on a score 201/6 in 20 overs thanks to Marnus Labuschagne’s 77 runs while Matt Renshaw and Tom Alsop chipping in with 40 and 39 respectively.

Play was delayed at The Gabba when a fire broke out in the stands. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/v2J2OktfuF

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 16, 2025

Chasing the target, the Hurricanes were 47/0 after 4 overs with Caleb Jewell and Mitchell Owen in the crease when the match had to be temporarily halted due to the flames. The match has since resumed with Hobart at 166/3 after 16 overs.

Cricket matches in Australia have seen their fair share of stoppages with the floodlights going off twice in Adelaide during the 2nd Test between India and Australia last December in the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

As the game moved in deep during the twilight phase after the hosts bowled India out on 180, Australia were pushing hard after fending off the new ball attack from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Following the loss of opener Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne put on a stoic guard for Australia after the tea break.

However, the floodlights went off twice during the 18th over bowled by Harshit Rana, forcing two-minute stoppages in play as the entire ground drifted into darkness. The beaming lights first switched off at the 17.2-over mark and came back on almost instantly. However, two deliveries later, the stadium went dark again, forcing a lengthier break as the Indian slip-fielders, including captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant huddled together. A visibly distraught Rana was seen gesturing frustratingly as the lights switched off when he got into his delivery stride.