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Hobart Hurricanes storm to first BBL crown with Owen’s explosive knock

Owen’s inning was an exhibition of aggressive shot-making, as he hammered 11 sixes – setting a new BBL final record – and six fours.

In a spectacular display of power hitting, Mitchell Owen has led the Hobart Hurricanes to their maiden Big Bash League (BBL) title, as they defeated the Sydney Thunder in the competition’s decider on Monday night.

Owen’s blistering knock of 108 off just 42 balls was the standout performance in a match that saw the Hurricanes chase down a target of 183 with 35 balls to spare, thrilling a capacity crowd at Bellerive Oval in Tasmania.

Set 183 to win, the Hurricanes were in top form, finishing at 3-185 with contributions from Matthew Wade (32 off 17) and a composed 11-run finish from Ben McDermott. However, Owen’s extraordinary hitting dominated the night, with the 23-year-old securing the fastest century in BBL final history, matching the record set by Craig Simmons in 2014 with a 39-ball century.

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Image Source: Big Bash League (BBL)

Owen’s innings were an exhibition of aggressive shot-making, as he hammered 11 sixes – setting a new BBL final record – and six fours. He took particular aim at Thunder bowler Wes Agar, hitting three consecutive sixes in one over, and powered through to a half-century in just the fourth over of the innings. By the time he brought up his 100, Owen had already overtaken David Warner as the BBL’s leading run-scorer.

“The most special thing is hearing everyone in the crowd enjoying it,” Owen said after the win.

“And I’m so grateful, I’m so proud that we could bring this trophy to Tassie.”

Image Source: Big Bash League (BBL)

Owen’s remarkable performance catalysed the Hurricanes’ stunning chase, and his timing couldn’t have been better. His quick-fire hundred helped turn a potentially tricky run chase into a procession, with the required run rate plummeting thanks to his relentless hitting. The Hurricanes’ victory was made all the easier with Owen’s contribution, which set the stage for a jubilant finish.

“It was next-level hitting that made it pretty easy for us at the end,”

said Wade, acknowledging the ease with which the Hurricanes secured the title.

The 15,706-strong crowd at Bellerive Oval could not contain their excitement, chanting Owen’s name as the game neared its conclusion. As the fireworks lit up the Tasmanian sky, Hobart’s supporters erupted in celebration, marking the city’s first-ever BBL championship.

This triumph for the Hobart Hurricanes is particularly sweet considering their early struggles in the tournament. After a humiliating loss in their opening match, where they were dismissed for just 75 runs, the Hurricanes bounced back to win seven consecutive games, ultimately securing the minor premiership. Their turnaround was nothing short of remarkable, culminating in this commanding final victory.

“We’ve had our ups and downs this season, but we’ve come together when it matters,” said Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis, who played a pivotal role with the ball in the final, taking 3-23. Ellis was instrumental in slowing down the Thunder’s innings with a spell that included two quick wickets in successive balls. His performance, along with Riley Meredith’s sharp 3-27, was key in limiting the Thunder to a total of 7-182.

“It’s been an incredible journey. I’ve been a fan of the Hurricanes since BBL1, and now to be part of this historic win is something really special,”

Meredith said, his smile reflecting the pride of a Tasmanian securing a home-grown victory.
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The Sydney Thunder, entering the final as underdogs, put up a commendable effort, led by a 97-run opening stand between Jason Sangha and David Warner. Sangha’s knock of 45 was solid, but Warner’s departure in the 11th over, after a quickfire 41, left the Thunder’s momentum in jeopardy. Nathan Ellis made the breakthrough, dismissing Warner with a catch from Wade and then cleaning up Matthew Gilkes for a golden duck on the very next ball.

Despite a late flurry from Sam Billings (31*), the Thunder’s innings fizzled out, with Hobart’s bowlers finishing strong in the closing overs. Meredith’s two wickets in the 19th over helped seal the victory, keeping the Thunder from reaching a total that would have put more pressure on Hobart’s chase.

Hobart’s triumph in the 14th edition of the BBL marks a significant achievement for the club, making them the latest franchise to add a title to their collection. The Melbourne Stars remain the only team without a BBL championship, further underlining the rarity and prestige of the tournament win.

For Hobart, this victory is not just about the title; it’s about the resurgence of a team that fought hard and proved their mettle. With a young and dynamic squad, led by the impressive performances of Mitchell Owen, this victory sets the foundation for what could be a new era of dominance for the Hurricanes in the BBL.

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