The Hobart Hurricanes secured a decisive six-wicket victory over the Sydney Thunder on Friday night, propelling them to the top of the Big Bash League (BBL) standings. Chasing a target of 165, the Hurricanes showcased a dominant performance, clinching the win with 19 balls to spare at the Bellerive Oval.
David Warner, in remarkable form, delivered a masterful unbeaten 88 off 66 balls. His innings, though devoid of sixes, highlighted precision and resilience, marking his highest Big Bash score without clearing the boundary ropes. Despite Warner’s heroics, his teammates struggled to provide support. Sam Billings contributed 28 off 15, while Ollie Davies added 17. Youngster Sam Konstas departed early for four, shortly after Warner’s bizarre bat break incident.
The Hurricanes’ bowlers were clinical, with Riley Meredith leading the charge, taking 2/30 in his four overs. Nathan Ellis, Chris Jordan, and Nikhil Chaudhary chipped in with key wickets, restricting the Thunder to a manageable total. Leg-spinner Peter Hatzoglou, though wicketless, delivered an economical spell, earning praise for his efforts.
In response, the Hurricanes’ batters wasted no time. Matthew Wade (13 off 5) and Mitchell Owen (13 off 6) set a blistering pace before Tim David unleashed a spectacular knock. David smashed 68 not out off just 38 balls, featuring six towering sixes, ensuring a swift chase. He found solid support from Chris Jordan, who remained unbeaten with 18 off 13.
The Thunder bowlers, apart from Tom Andrews (1/17), struggled to contain the Hurricanes’ aggressive batting, especially during the Power Surge, where 38 runs were scored in just two overs.
However, the victory was slightly marred by concerns over Ben McDermott’s hamstring injury during fielding. Playing his 100th BBL match, McDermott’s fitness remains uncertain, with the Hurricanes’ next game scheduled for January 15.
The Sydney Thunder will aim to bounce back in their upcoming clash against the Perth Scorchers on Monday night.