The Hobart Hurricanes secured a dominant 50-run victory over the Sydney Sixers in the 18th match of the Big Bash League 2024-25 at Bellerive Oval, Hobart. A strong all-round performance by the Hurricanes ensured their comprehensive win, leaving the Sixers struggling in all departments.
Match Overview
- Date: January 1, 2025
- Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart
- Toss: Sydney Sixers chose to bowl first.
- Result: Hobart Hurricanes won by 50 runs.
First Innings: Hobart Hurricanes’ Innings
The Hobart Hurricanes posted a competitive total of 161/6 in 20 overs. Their innings featured contributions from several players, despite a few early setbacks.
Key Performances
- Mitchell Owen: Owen scored a quickfire 33 off 17 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. His attacking approach in the powerplay laid the foundation for a competitive total.
- Ben McDermott (Captain): McDermott anchored the innings with a responsible 34 off 25 balls, combining composure with aggressive intent. His partnership with Nikhil Chaudhary steadied the Hurricanes after early dismissals.
- Nikhil Chaudhary: Chaudhary delivered an impactful knock, scoring 42 off 31 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. His aggressive middle-over batting proved crucial in building momentum.
- Chris Jordan: Jordan added finishing touches with a quick 16 off 11 balls, striking at 145.45. His effort ensured the Hurricanes crossed the 160-run mark.
Fall of Wickets
The Hurricanes lost early wickets, with Mitchell Owen departing at 45/1 in the fifth over. The dismissal of Matthew Wade (15) and Shai Hope (4) in quick succession left them at 55/3 in 6.4 overs. However, McDermott and Chaudhary’s 70-run partnership stabilized the innings.
Sydney Sixers’ Bowling Performance
- Jackson Bird: Bird emerged as the standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 16 runs in his four overs. His ability to strike during crucial phases kept the Hurricanes in check.
- Jack Edwards: Edwards supported with figures of 1/31 in four overs, including the key wicket of Nikhil Chaudhary.
Second Innings: Sydney Sixers’ Response
The Sixers failed to chase down the target, getting bowled out for 111 in 19.3 overs. Hobart Hurricanes’ disciplined bowling dismantled the Sixers’ batting lineup, ensuring a comfortable win.
Key Performances
- Chris Jordan: Jordan showcased brilliance with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 23 runs in 3.3 overs. He removed James Vince and Jordan Silk at critical moments, ensuring the Sixers never gained momentum.
- Billy Stanlake: Stanlake bowled a tight spell, conceding just 22 runs in his four overs and claiming 2 wickets. His pace troubled the Sixers’ top order.
- Nikhil Chaudhary: Chaudhary complemented his batting performance with the ball, delivering a spell of 3-0-15-1. He struck early, dismissing Josh Philippe for 6 in the third over.
- Waqar Salamkheil: Salamkheil picked up 2 wickets for 22 runs in his three overs. His accuracy kept the Sixers’ lower order under pressure.
Fall of Wickets
The Sixers stumbled early, losing Philippe (6) and Vince (11) within the first four overs. Kurtis Patterson and Moises Henriques attempted to rebuild but managed only 9 and 22 runs, respectively. The wickets of Henriques and Jordan Silk (20) in quick succession left the Sixers reeling at 72/6. The tail failed to resist, with the team getting bowled out at 111.
Hurricanes’ Bowling Analysis
- Riley Meredith: Meredith kept the pressure on, conceding only 12 runs in three overs and picking up the wicket of Hayden Kerr.
- Peter Hatzoglou: Hatzoglou chipped in with 2 wickets for 15 runs, sealing the Sixers’ fate.
Turning Points
- Mitchell Owen’s Start: Owen’s aggressive approach in the powerplay gave the Hurricanes early momentum, putting the Sixers’ bowlers on the back foot.
- McDermott and Chaudhary Partnership: Their crucial 70-run stand in the middle overs steadied the innings and ensured a defendable total.
- Jackson Bird’s Spell: Bird’s exceptional bowling prevented the Hurricanes from posting an even bigger score, keeping the Sixers in the contest.
- Chris Jordan’s All-Round Performance: Jordan’s contributions with both bat and ball proved decisive. His wickets of Vince and Silk crushed the Sixers’ hopes.
Key Statistics
Hobart Hurricanes Innings
- Top Scorers:
- Nikhil Chaudhary: 42 (31)
- Ben McDermott: 34 (25)
- Mitchell Owen: 33 (17)
- Best Bowler for Sixers:
- Jackson Bird: 4/16
Sydney Sixers Innings
- Top Scorers:
- Moises Henriques: 22 (19)
- Jordan Silk: 20 (20)
- Ben Dwarshuis: 9 (6)
- Best Bowler for Hurricanes:
- Chris Jordan: 3/23
Powerplay Analysis
- Hurricanes: The team scored 43 runs in the first six overs but lost three wickets, curtailing their momentum.
- Sixers: The side managed only 26 runs in their powerplay while losing three wickets, leaving them on the back foot.
Player of the Match
Chris Jordan earned recognition for his all-round brilliance. His late-order batting ensured a competitive total, and his three crucial wickets dismantled the Sixers’ chase.
Conclusion
The Hobart Hurricanes delivered a commanding performance, excelling in all departments. Their bowlers ensured a clinical defense of the target, leaving the Sydney Sixers with no answers. While the Sixers showcased flashes of resistance, their inability to build partnerships cost them the game.
With this win, the Hurricanes gained valuable points and momentum in the Big Bash League 2024-25. Their comprehensive display sets a benchmark for the competition, showcasing their strength as a balanced unit. For the Sixers, it’s a wake-up call to regroup and address their batting vulnerabilities.
