From Underdogs to Finalists: Hobart Hurricanes’ Thrilling Win Over Sydney Sixers
CricketPanditHobart Hurricanes managed to hold their nerve and narrowly defeated Sydney Sixers by 12 runs, earning a place in their first Big Bash League (BBL) final since the seventh season. Riley Meredith’s impressive fast bowling was crucial as the Hurricanes defended a modest total of 173, securing the opportunity to host the BBL final at Ninja Stadium.
The Sixers, missing Steve Smith, Todd Murphy, and Sean Abbott for this Qualifier, chose to bowl first but faced an aggressive start from Mitchell Owen, who scored 15, 16, and 12 runs in the opening three overs. He was dismissed on the first ball after the four-over PowerPlay, unable to clear deep mid-wicket off legspinner Jafer Chohan, but the early damage had already been inflicted.
Matthew Wade followed soon after, caught brilliantly by Jack Edwards at backward point, which allowed the Sixers to regain some control during the middle overs. Caleb Jewell (40) and McDermott (42) put together a 52-run partnership for the third wicket but went seven overs without a boundary. It took a remarkable innings from Tim David (25 off 10) to capitalize on the Surge and push the Hurricanes to a total of 173 for 7.
The Sixers’ chase got off to a rocky start, with Meredith dismissing both Josh Philippe and captain Moises Henriques in his first two overs. In between those wickets, Cameron Gannon took out Jack Edwards, leaving the Sixers struggling at 5 for 3.
A 75-run partnership between Kurtis Patterson and Jordan Silk (57 off 44) kept the scoreboard moving, but ultimately the challenge proved too great, as even quick contributions from Lachlan Shaw (33* off 25) and Ben Dwarshuis (16* off 8) fell short.
The Sixers will have another chance to reach the final, as they are set to face the winner of the Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars match on Friday.
Brief Scores: Hobart Hurricanes 173/7 (McDermott 42, Jewell 40; Chohan 2-28, Dwarshuis 2-36) beat Sydney Sixers 161/5 (Patterson 48; Gannon 2-10, Meredith 2-34) by 12 runs.
