Big Bash League debutant Ben McDermott made an impact for Hobart Hurricanes but couldn't turn a home ground advantage into a much-needed win.
At Bellerive Oval on Sunday, Sydney Thunder posted a six-wicket victory, just their second of the season, leaving the hosts scrambling in the closing rounds for a chance at the finals.
The son of former Australian Test paceman Craig McDermott, Ben replaced batting star Kumar Sangakkara in a bold move by Hurricanes' selectors.
The new No.3 impressed, racing to 31 from 21 deliveries before he was run out in a mix-up with batting partner George Bailey (69 not out).
"It was nice to be out there but just a bit of a shame to get out like that," McDermott said of his knock, before acknowledging the sacrifice of Sangakkara.
"He's a great player, but I'm really grateful to get the opportunity."
The star international batsman and former Sri Lankan Test skipper was dropped after making a total of just 68 runs across five innings this season, with a top-score of 22.
But Sunday's loss to the bottom-of-the-ladder Thunder showed the side's struggles aren't limited to Sangakkara.
Openers Tim Paine (four) and D'Arcy Short (0) were dismissed cheaply.
"We probably didn't do all three disciplines (batting, bowling and fielding) very well," Bailey said after the match.
"It would have been nice to score another 20 (runs) ... and there were a lot of misfields."
Hurricanes now have just two victories from six matches and need to win the last two fixtures for a chance at making the top four.
"The disappointing thing is letting them get that victory so easily because net run rate becomes so important in such a tight bunch," Bailey added.
"The quest for fourth or third spot is always so tight, you've got to make sure that when you're winning you're winning your games well and when you lose, you lose it tight."
Hurricanes next head to Etihad Stadium to play Melbourne Renegades on Thursday.
