Hobart Hurricanes quick Riley Meredith says he doesn't feel let down by his side's batters after a botched run chase and a missed chance to lock up top spot in the Big Bash League.
The Hurricanes were cruising in pursuit of the Brisbane Heat's 8-160 on Wednesday night, before losing 6-32, including 4-6 at the death, to go down by three runs.
Reigning champions Hobart would have secured top spot and a home final with a win but are now at the mercy of other results and could drop to as low as third.
"We pretty much had the game dead and buried and somehow found a way to lose," Meredith said on Thursday.
"But we're still top of the ladder at the moment and there is still a possibility of a home final.
"It's definitely not all doom and gloom ... 95 per cent of the game was outstanding and we were all over them.
"Hopefully we still get a home final but if not that's fine, we'll go away and play some good cricket."
After Beau Webster (51 from 43) and Ben McDermott (59 from 36) departed, Matthew Wade, Rehan Ahmed, Chris Jordan and Nikhil Chaudhary all fell cheaply.
Wade hit a six to have the Hurricanes needing just 11 off the final 13 deliveries, but was caught on the boundary next ball going for another maximum.
But Meredith said he didn't feel let down by the batting group.
"They've been phenomenal all year, they've probably been saving our bacon to be fair," he said.
"I think every batter has their own individual way of doing it. That sort of total, if we'd hit a boundary the game was over.
"They were trying to take the positive option and ice the game. Unfortunately we lost a few wickets in clumps and the game got away from us."
The Hurricanes also lost their final regular season game last season but rebounded to take out their maiden title.
Jordan should be right for their next game after the veteran allrounder pulled up sore with a foot injury while bowling.
Meredith said Ashes opener Jake Weatherald, who hasn't played this tournament, was battling niggles but was a chance to come into the side.
