The Hobart Hurricanes clinched a sensational 11-run victory against the Adelaide Strikers in the 13th match of the Big Bash League 2024-25 at the Adelaide Oval. A stellar batting performance by the Hurricanes, complemented by disciplined bowling, proved too strong for the Strikers despite a valiant chase.
Match Summary
- Match: Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes, 13th Match, Big Bash League 2024-25
- Date: Friday, December 27, 2024
- Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Result: Hobart Hurricanes won by 11 runs
Hobart Hurricanes Innings: Dominant Batting Display
Winning the toss and opting to bowl, the Adelaide Strikers hoped to restrict the Hurricanes to a manageable total. However, the Hurricanes posted an imposing 214/5 in their 20 overs, showcasing an impressive blend of aggression and calculated batting.
Key Performers in Hurricanes’ Innings
- Ben McDermott
The wicketkeeper-batter played a pivotal role, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 68 off just 34 balls. His composed knock, laced with three fours and five towering sixes, demonstrated his ability to accelerate at will. McDermott’s unbeaten contribution ensured the Hurricanes maintained momentum throughout the innings. - Tim David
The dynamic middle-order batter smashed a fiery 33 off 14 deliveries, showcasing his trademark power-hitting. His two sixes and four boundaries rattled the opposition bowlers, and his quickfire knock provided a late surge to the Hurricanes’ total. - Shai Hope and Caleb Jewell
Both batters made vital contributions early on, with Hope scoring a steady 37 and Jewell chipping in with 22. Their partnership laid a strong foundation for the Hurricanes to capitalize on in the later overs.
Strikers’ Bowling Performance
The Adelaide Strikers struggled to contain the Hurricanes’ batters on a belter of a pitch. Key highlights include:
- Jamie Overton: The pick of the bowlers with figures of 4-0-27-2. He dismissed Shai Hope and Nikhil Chaudhary, providing breakthroughs at crucial junctures.
- Lloyd Pope: Chipping in with 1/40, Pope dismissed the dangerous Caleb Jewell, though he was expensive in his spell.
Powerplay and Death Overs
The Hurricanes capitalized on the powerplay, scoring 64 runs in the first six overs. The late onslaught led by McDermott and David further solidified their position, adding 90 runs in the last six overs.
Hobart Hurricanes Scorecard Highlights
- Total: 214/5 in 20 overs
- Extras: 9 (b 1, lb 2, w 5, nb 1)
Adelaide Strikers Innings: A Spirited Chase Falls Short
Chasing a daunting 215, the Strikers put up a brave effort but fell short, finishing at 203/6 in their 20 overs. Their chase was marked by explosive starts and a resilient fight from their captain, Matthew Short.
Key Performers in Strikers’ Innings
- Matthew Short
The captain led from the front with a quickfire 52 off 29 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. Short’s knock kept the Strikers in the hunt during the powerplay and the early middle overs. - Ollie Pope and Alex Ross
Pope contributed a gritty 39 off 27 balls, providing stability in the middle order. Ross chipped in with a solid 8-ball cameo, showcasing his ability to rotate the strike effectively. - Jamie Overton
Overton remained unbeaten with 30 off 16 balls, attempting to salvage the chase in the final overs. Despite his heroics, the target proved insurmountable.
Hurricanes’ Bowling Performance
The Hurricanes bowlers displayed a disciplined approach, effectively stifling the Strikers’ scoring rate in the death overs.
- Chris Jordan: With figures of 4-0-36-2, Jordan dismissed key batters Ollie Pope and Alex Ross. His precise bowling in crunch situations proved decisive.
- Nathan Ellis: The captain led by example, picking up 2/34. His dismissal of James Bazley in the 19th over turned the tide firmly in the Hurricanes’ favor.
- Waqar Salamkheil: The spinner bowled economically, conceding just 31 runs in his three overs while picking up the prized wicket of Matthew Short.
Powerplay and Death Overs
The Strikers scored 49 runs in the powerplay for the loss of one wicket but struggled to keep pace with the required run rate in the death overs. The Hurricanes’ bowlers applied pressure, restricting the Strikers to just 55 runs in the last six overs.
Adelaide Strikers Scorecard Highlights
- Total: 203/6 in 20 overs
- Extras: 9 (b 0, lb 6, w 3, nb 0)
Turning Points
- Ben McDermott’s Explosive Knock
McDermott’s unbeaten 68 ensured the Hurricanes set a formidable target. His ability to shift gears in the death overs turned the momentum in their favor. - Crucial Middle-Order Wickets
The dismissals of Alex Ross and Ollie Pope in quick succession derailed the Strikers’ chase, leaving too much for the lower order to accomplish. - Disciplined Death Bowling
Nathan Ellis and Chris Jordan executed their plans effectively in the final overs, preventing the Strikers from unleashing a late assault.
Player of the Match
Ben McDermott was adjudged the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 68 off 34 balls. His innings anchored the Hurricanes’ total and set the foundation for their victory.
Key Stats
- Highest Individual Score: Ben McDermott – 68* (34)
- Best Bowling Figures: Jamie Overton – 4-0-27-2
- Most Sixes: Ben McDermott – 5
- Powerplay Runs: Hurricanes – 64/2, Strikers – 49/1
What’s Next?
The Hobart Hurricanes will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures, while the Adelaide Strikers will aim to regroup and address their bowling inefficiencies. Both teams remain strong contenders in the league, promising more thrilling encounters ahead.
Conclusion
The Hobart Hurricanes showcased their all-round brilliance to secure an 11-run victory against the Adelaide Strikers. From Ben McDermott’s fireworks to disciplined death bowling by Nathan Ellis and Chris Jordan, the Hurricanes ticked all the boxes. For the Strikers, Matthew Short’s valiant effort and Jamie Overton’s late cameo highlighted their fighting spirit. This match epitomized the excitement and unpredictability of the Big Bash League, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next clash.
