Hurricanes Hang On for Back-to-Back Wins Despite Short’s Brave Knock
Matthew Short’s explosive 29-ball 52 wasn’t enough as Adelaide Strikers fell 11 runs short in their chase of Hobart Hurricanes' imposing total of 214/5 at the Adelaide Oval on Friday, giving the visitors their second consecutive win of the season.
Opting to bowl first, the Strikers made an early breakthrough with Short dismissing Mitchell Owen in the first over. While Caleb Jewell struggled, Shai Hope’s aggressive batting lifted the tempo, and the pair added a quick 56 runs in just 34 balls. Despite Jewell's departure in the seventh over, McDermott and Hope kept the momentum going, with McDermott smashing a couple of early sixes.
McDermott continued his assault, and while the Hurricanes faced sporadic support until the 14th over, the acceleration came in the 15th, when Tim David took over, hitting Thornton for three boundaries and a six. The onslaught intensified in the final overs with David hammering 33 off just 14 balls, while Chris Jordan contributed with 17 off 10. McDermott remained unbeaten on 68, powering the Hurricanes to a massive total.
In reply, the Strikers came out swinging, with Matthew and D'Arcy Short putting on 76 runs in just 38 balls for the opening wicket. The pair cut loose, particularly against Billy Stanlake in the second over. By the 9th over, they were well placed at 105/1, but the momentum stalled in the middle overs, as they managed only 60 runs in the next eight. Despite a late flurry from Jamie Overton, who scored 19 off the final over, the Strikers fell short, ending with 203/6.
