The Hobart Hurricanes delivered a commanding performance in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 final, defeating the Sydney Thunder by 7 wickets at Bellerive Oval, Hobart, on January 27, 2025. The Hurricanes showcased brilliance with both ball and bat, chasing down a competitive target of 183 in just 14.1 overs, marking their dominance in the tournament.
Sydney Thunder’s Innings: A Mixed Display
Sydney Thunder, batting first after losing the toss, posted 182/7 in their 20 overs. The innings had promising starts but lacked the final flourish due to consistent breakthroughs by Hobart Hurricanes’ bowlers, led by Nathan Ellis and Riley Meredith.
Key Performances with the Bat
- Jason Sangha (67 off 42 balls): Sangha anchored the Thunder’s innings with a solid knock. His aggressive approach included 4 fours and 5 sixes, ensuring a quick scoring rate. However, he was dismissed by Nathan Ellis after a well-constructed innings.
- David Warner (48 off 32 balls): The Thunder skipper provided momentum early on, scoring at a brisk pace with 3 fours and 2 sixes. His dismissal at a crucial stage by Ellis left a dent in the Thunder’s plans.
- Chris Green (16 off 9 balls): Green added late runs with a quick cameo before being run out due to sharp fielding by Ben McDermott and Matthew Wade.
Fall of Wickets
The Thunder’s innings had a steady start but faltered during the middle overs:
- Warner fell at 97/1 in the 11th over, halting the scoring flow.
- Matthew Gilkes was dismissed for a golden duck in the same over, leaving the Thunder vulnerable at 97/2.
- Key wickets of Sam Billings (20) and Jason Sangha (67) in the middle overs curtailed their momentum.
Bowling Excellence by Hurricanes
Nathan Ellis, leading the Hurricanes as captain, spearheaded the bowling attack:
- Nathan Ellis: 4-0-23-3, with crucial scalps of Warner and Sangha. His control in the powerplay and middle overs set the tone.
- Riley Meredith: 4-0-27-3, complementing Ellis by dismantling the middle order with wickets of Billings, Davies, and Garton.
- Chris Jordan and Peter Hatzoglou faced some resistance, but the collective bowling effort ensured the Thunder couldn’t capitalize in the death overs.
Hobart Hurricanes’ Chase: A Masterclass
Chasing 183, the Hurricanes put up a scintillating batting display, reaching 185/3 in just 14.1 overs. Their aggressive approach from the onset left the Sydney Thunder bowlers helpless.
Key Performances with the Bat
- Mitchell Owen (108 off 42 balls): The star of the night, Owen smashed a breathtaking century, scoring at a strike rate of 257.14. His knock included 8 fours and 11 sixes, ensuring the chase was never in doubt. Owen’s ability to target both pace and spin made him unstoppable.
- Matthew Wade (32 off 17 balls):* Wade, the experienced wicketkeeper-batter, played a calm yet effective knock, supporting McDermott in the final stages.
- Ben McDermott (18 off 12 balls):* McDermott finished the chase with a flurry of boundaries, sealing the title for the Hurricanes.
Key Partnerships
- Opening Stand: Owen and Caleb Jewell added 109 runs in just 7.2 overs. Jewell contributed 13 off 12 balls, allowing Owen to dominate the scoring.
- Middle Order: Despite losing two quick wickets, McDermott and Wade ensured there were no further hiccups, with an unbroken partnership of 46 runs to finish the chase.
Sydney Thunder’s Bowling Struggles
The Thunder bowlers had no answers to Owen’s onslaught:
- Tanveer Sangha: 4-0-32-2, the only bowler to pick multiple wickets, dismissed Jewell and Chaudhary.
- Tom Andrews: 3-0-30-1, picked up the prized wicket of Owen but leaked runs in the process.
- Other bowlers, including Nathan McAndrew and Wes Agar, were taken apart, with McAndrew conceding 50 runs in just 2.1 overs.
Turning Points of the Match
- Nathan Ellis’ Double Blow: The dismissals of Warner and Gilkes in consecutive deliveries halted Sydney Thunder’s progress and shifted the momentum.
- Mitchell Owen’s Century: Owen’s fearless batting dismantled the Thunder’s bowling unit, neutralizing any pressure of a challenging target.
- Fielding Brilliance: The Hurricanes’ sharp fielding resulted in the key run-out of Chris Green, further derailing the Thunder’s innings.
Statistical Highlights
- Hobart Hurricanes’ Bowling Figures: Ellis (3/23) and Meredith (3/27) stood out with economical and impactful spells.
- Hobart Hurricanes’ Batting: Owen’s 108 off 42 balls became the highlight of the final, marking one of the most dominant T20 innings in the tournament’s history.
- Sydney Thunder’s Innings: Sangha’s 67 was the only major contribution in a lackluster batting effort.
Player of the Match
Mitchell Owen was rightly awarded the Player of the Match for his match-winning century. His ability to attack from ball one ensured that the Hurricanes cruised to victory with ease.
Post-Match Reactions
- Nathan Ellis (Hobart Hurricanes Captain): “The boys executed the plan perfectly. Credit to Mitchell for that exceptional knock. Everyone played their role, and it’s a proud moment for us to lift the trophy.”
- David Warner (Sydney Thunder Captain): “Disappointing result. We started well, but credit to the Hurricanes for their brilliant performance. Owen was unstoppable, and they deserved the win.”
The Hobart Hurricanes’ emphatic 7-wicket victory in the BBL 2024-25 final was a testament to their all-round dominance. With Nathan Ellis leading the bowling attack and Mitchell Owen producing an unforgettable century, the Hurricanes proved why they were the best team in the tournament. Sydney Thunder fought valiantly but couldn’t match the Hurricanes’ intensity.
This title win adds another feather to the Hurricanes’ cap, showcasing their growing stature in T20 cricket. The night at Bellerive Oval will be remembered for Owen’s heroics and the Hurricanes’ complete team effort.