Hobart Hurricanes emerged victorious in a thrilling 21st match of the Big Bash League 2023-24, as Ben McDermott‘s explosive fifty guided them to a convincing win over Sydney Thunder. The exciting contest showcased superb performances from both sides, but McDermott’s brilliance ultimately tilted the scales in favour of the Hurricanes.
Sydney Thunder’s batting display
Opting to bowl after winning the toss, Hobart Hurricanes put Sydney Thunder into bat. The Thunder posted a respectable total of 150-8 in their 20 overs. Chris Green was the top scorer with a quick-fire 33 off 17 balls, while Daniel Sams contributed a valuable 25 off 21 deliveries. The Hurricanes’ bowlers were on top of their game, with Patrick Dooley, Chris Jordan, and Nikhil Chaudhary each claiming two wickets, applying the brakes on Thunder’s scoring.
Hobart Hurricanes’ bowling prowess
The Hurricanes’ disciplined bowling performance restricted the Thunder batters and set the stage for a successful run chase. Dooley, with his variations, troubled the opposition, while Jordan’s experience and Chaudhary’s youthful exuberance added depth to the bowling attack. The trio played a pivotal role in keeping the Thunder to a manageable total.
Hobart Hurricanes’ dominant chase
In reply, the Hurricanes’ top order delivered a clinical performance. However, it was McDermott who emerged as the star of the innings, playing a scintillating knock of 53 runs off just 34 balls. His innings was laced with eight boundaries and showcased his ability to control the game. Macalister Wright provided valuable support with a quick 34 off 25 balls, contributing to the Hurricanes’ successful run chase with seven wickets in hand.
Sydney Thunder’s bowling efforts
Despite Tanveer Sangha and Nathan McAndrew‘s brilliant bowling performances, Sydney Thunder couldn’t defend the total. Sangha and McAndrew picked up one wicket each, displaying precision and control. Nevertheless, their efforts weren’t sufficient to contain the Hurricanes’ batting onslaught, led by the explosive McDermott.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Welcoming the New Year with a solid win 🥳💥#TasmaniasTeam pic.twitter.com/xfpBicG4GP
— Hobart Hurricanes (@HurricanesBBL) January 1, 2024
Last Friday, Marsh left-handed. Now, Ben McDermott right-handed so clean, off and on tops. @HurricanesBBL #BBL13 https://t.co/rB9elvkK8r
— Jesse Hogan (@Jesse_Hogan) January 1, 2024
Sydney Thunder is all about how Daniel Sams performs, no depth in batting since so long and they keep losing cause of it but not learning.
— Archer (@poserarcher) January 1, 2024
Ben McDermott is the absolute spitting image of his Dad it’s crazy
#BBL13— Aaron (@thegypsysoul42) January 1, 2024
Ben McDermott making good use of the power surge..!! 4th boundary for him in this over.#BBL13 #perletti #Devara #AllHailTheTiger #TejRan #LIVNEW #LFC #NUFC pic.twitter.com/uzOMI0RnzN
— Farhan Mansuri (@_FarhanMansuri) January 1, 2024
4️⃣ x 4️⃣
Ben McDermott is hitting them everywhere. #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/MuHWLZR03h
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 1, 2024
Ben McDermott back means I can finally buy tickets for the two games Canes are playing in Melb
— Hayley (@Hayleyyemma) January 1, 2024
