Mitchell Owen's Maiden BBL Century Powers Hobart Hurricanes to Victory Over Perth Scorchers
Hobart Hurricanes 156/2 (19.2 overs) defeated Perth Scorchers 155/6 (20 overs) by 8 wickets
Mitchell Owen's explosive, unbeaten 101 off 64 balls led Hobart Hurricanes to a thrilling 8-wicket victory over the Perth Scorchers, securing their first win of the BBL season. Owen's stunning century, which included 9 fours and 5 sixes, was the backbone of the chase, as the Hurricanes chased down the target of 156 with 4 balls to spare.
The chase began in style, with Owen taking on the Perth bowlers from the get-go. He launched Jhye Richardson for a six in the first over and followed it up with a stunning assault on Lance Morris, hitting him for three boundaries (6, 4, 4) in the third over. Despite Caleb Jewell falling early, the Hurricanes cruised through the PowerPlay at 44/1, with Owen leading the charge.
Shai Hope played the perfect supporting role, watching Owen’s incredible batting display as the opener reached his fifty off just 31 balls in the ninth over. The Scorchers struggled to find a breakthrough, and even an unreviewed LBW appeal against Owen—an opportunity that would have seen him dismissed—proved costly.
When Hope was dismissed, the Hurricanes were still in control, needing just 23 off 18 balls. Owen completed his century in the final over and guided his side to victory, finishing unbeaten as the Hurricanes made light work of the chase.
Earlier, Riley Meredith’s exceptional bowling (3/27) played a key role in restricting the Scorchers to 155/6. Meredith’s 3-wicket haul and his involvement in a run-out were crucial in keeping the target within reach. Josh Inglis top-scored for the Scorchers with 49, while captain Ashton Turner added 39, but their efforts fell short in the end.
Thrilling Finish as Ben Dwarshuis Guides Sydney Sixers to Victory in Sydney Derby
Sydney Sixers 164/5 (20 overs) defeated Sydney Thunder 163/5 (20 overs) by 5 wickets
Ben Dwarshuis’ last-over heroics, including a 101m six off the penultimate ball, powered the Sydney Sixers to a dramatic 5-wicket win over Sydney Thunder in a thrilling derby at the Sydney Showground Stadium.
Chasing 164, the Sixers were in trouble, needing 23 off 12 balls when Dwarshuis walked in. He wasted no time, smashing a towering six off the first ball of Chris Green’s over. The pendulum swung back towards Thunder as Green's final over put the pressure on the Sixers, who still needed 7 off 2 balls. Dwarshuis then dispatched a full toss for another huge six before taking a single off the last ball to seal the win.
At the other end, Jordan Silk played a crucial role, finishing unbeaten on 36. His steady hand was vital, especially as captain Moises Henriques, despite a solid start to the tournament, struggled during this match. Earlier, Josh Philippe and James Vince provided a solid start for the Sixers, but both were dismissed at key moments, including a direct hit from David Warner to run out Jack Edwards.
Thunder's bowling attack, led by Daniel Sams and Chris Green, tightened the screws, but Dwarshuis’ final-over brilliance ensured a thrilling finish. Earlier, Thunder posted 163/5, with Cameron Bancroft anchoring their innings with an unbeaten 70, while Oliver Davies contributed a quick-fire 47. However, despite a late flourish from Bancroft and Sam Billings, Thunder’s total fell just short.
Both games were nail-biting contests that showcased individual brilliance and dramatic finishes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats!
