Hurricanes send off Sammy in style

The Hobart Hurricanes have won an absolute run fest at Blundstone Arena, chasing down 209 to beat the Brisbane Heat by six wickets with an over to spare.

Chasing the hefty total, Hobart openers Ben Dunk (67 off 40) and Tim Paine (55 off 25) set a team opening partnership record of 120. 

The Hurricanes pushed on in the middle overs before skipper George Bailey (28 off 12) was joined by Darren Sammy (one off one), the duo ultimately needing 20 from the last two overs for the victory.

They did it in just one. 

Earlier on a lively Bellerive pitch, the visitors set a cracking pace with openers Jimmy Peirson (57 off 35) and Peter Forrest (62 off 43) adding a 119-run partnership to set a new first-wicket record total for the Heat.

The inspired Brisbane innings included 10 sixes and also starred Christian who added 34 runs from just nine balls. 

Of his side's performance with the bat, Bailey said the challenge of a big total can make all the difference.

"When it's 200 (or more) all those fears ... or any worries just go out the window and all it's about is just striking the ball as well as you can," he said.

"And it's amazing how many times that can kick start a player's innings." 

Returning from a hamstring injury for his first game of the tournament with Brisbane, batsman Forrest said he thought the Heat posted a strong total.

"I'm in a bit of shock, I thought we batted pretty well.

"I was hopeful but I know how these games go when you've got set batsmen and quality players like they've got."