The Hobart Hurricanes clinched their maiden Big Bash League (BBL) title in spectacular fashion, chasing down a challenging target of 183 with ease. Mitchell Owen, the star of the night, smashed a record-equalling 39-ball hundred, ensuring the Hurricanes secured a seven-wicket victory over the Sydney Thunder with 35 balls to spare. Owen’s heroic century, combined with Hobart’s resilient bowling attack, proved to be the ultimate difference.
Hurricanes’ Historic Chase
The Hurricanes faced a daunting target but made it look effortless, thanks to Owen’s electrifying knock. He scored 108 off just 42 balls, hammering 11 sixes and dominating the Thunder bowlers. Owen’s blitzkrieg started in the very first over, where he smashed Nathan McAndrew for 23 runs. By the end of the fourth over, the Hurricanes were 74 without loss, with Owen scoring 58 off 18 balls.
Promoted to opener this season, Owen’s aggressive batting has been a revelation. Against the Thunder, he reached his half-century in just 16 balls—the third-fastest in BBL history. Despite missing the record for the fastest BBL century, Owen equaled the existing mark of 39 balls, earning a standing ovation from the Hobart crowd.
Matthew Wade and Ben McDermott calmly finished the chase after Owen’s dismissal in the 11th over.
Read: West Indies Set 254-Run Target for Pakistan in Second Test
Thunder’s Bright Start Fades
Earlier, Sydney Thunder made a strong start after being sent in to bat. Openers David Warner and Jason Sangha put on a 97-run partnership, with Sangha leading the charge early. Sangha smashed a six and a boundary off Riley Meredith in the powerplay, keeping the Thunder well-paced at 97 for no loss by the drinks break.
Warner complemented Sangha with smart placement and swift running between the wickets. He played inventive shots, including reverse sweeps, to keep the scoreboard ticking. However, the Hurricanes’ bowlers struck back after the halfway mark, and the Thunder couldn’t capitalize on their solid foundation.
Ellis and Meredith Spark a Comeback
Nathan Ellis led Hobart’s resurgence with a brilliant display of slower deliveries and precise execution. He dismissed Warner and Matthew Gilkes in consecutive balls, nearly securing a hat-trick. Ellis finished with outstanding figures of 3 for 23 in his four overs, including a pivotal over during the power surge that conceded just six runs.
Meredith also played a key role in restricting the Thunder’s middle-order. His cracking yorker dismissed Sam Billings, further derailing the Thunder’s momentum.
Owen’s Knock Leaves Thunder Helpless
The Thunder bowlers struggled to contain Owen, who unleashed relentless power-hitting. Despite attempts to vary their attack, they consistently bowled into his favored zones. Misfields and dropped chances added to their woes, as Matthew Gilkes and Warner failed to capitalize on early opportunities to dismiss the Hurricanes openers.
Legspinner Tanveer Sangha offered a glimmer of hope for the Thunder, picking up two quick wickets in the eighth over. However, by then, Owen’s dominance had already tilted the game heavily in Hobart’s favor.
A Night to Remember for Hurricanes
The Hurricanes not only celebrated their first BBL title but also showcased their depth in both batting and bowling. Owen’s record-equalling century will undoubtedly grab attention from national selectors and franchise leagues worldwide. For Hobart, it was a night of pure joy and history-making triumph.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates