Hobart Hurricanes Bowlers take to their first BBL final in seven years
Riley Meredith’s opening spell was key as the Hurricanes held off a late rally to set up a home BBL final. Riley Meredith’s fiery bowling shook the Sydney Sixersโ top batters, setting up a big win for the Hobart Hurricanes. The Hurricanes will now host the BBL grand final at home.
The Sixers needed 174 runs to win at Bellerive Oval, but Meredith tore through their batting lineup. Without Steven Smith, the Sixers crumbled to 3 for 5 early. Kurtis Patterson, Jordan Silk, and Lachlan Shaw tried to fight back, but it wasnโt enough.
In the final over, the Sixers needed 21 runs, but Chris Jordanโs pinpoint bowling stopped Shaw and Ben Dwarshuis. The Hurricanes will rest before hosting the grand final on January 27, while the Sixers must win the Challenger match on Friday to stay in the race.
Meredith impresses with pace over 150kph
Riley Meredith proved why heโs one of the fastest bowlers in Australia. After resting for the final regular-season game, he returned stronger than ever.
He bowled a short, 150kph ball in his first over, getting Josh Philippe out for a duck. Later, he removed Sixers captain Moises Henriques with a fiery delivery, caught brilliantly by Ben McDermott at first slip.
Meredithโs fastest ball, at 152kph, was a bouncer to Jordan Silkโmaking it the quickest delivery of the season. Cameron Gannon also bowled well, taking 2 for 10 in just his second BBL match after replacing injured Billy Stanlake.
Patterson and Silkโs Brave Stand
After losing quick wickets, the Sixers leaned on experience to fight back. Patterson, replacing Smith as opener, stayed calm and built a 75-run partnership with Silk.
Patterson, who has shone in the Sheffield Shield, finally found his groove in the BBL. He hit a big six off leg-spinner Peter Hatzoglou and scored 48 before getting out in the 12th over.
Silk and young Lachlan Shaw added another 50 runs, giving the Sixers a chance. But when Silk fell with nine balls left, the target became impossible, even for big-hitter Dwarshuis.
Owen Shines Early, David Finishes Strong
Mitchell Owen continued his incredible season with a powerful start. He smashed 36 runs off just 15 balls, dominating the powerplay.
Owen hit three massive sixes, including one off Sixersโ debutant Mitchell Perry. He scored 29 of the teamโs first 31 runs before falling right after the powerplay.
After Owenโs dismissal, Caleb Jewell and Matthew Wade rebuilt slowly. Jewell scored 41 but got out during the power surge. Tim David then stepped up, hitting 25 off 10 balls. His late fireworks, including a six and a boundary, helped the Hurricanes finish strong.
Edwardsโ Amazing Catch Sparks Hope for Sixers
The Sixers fought back after Owenโs early assault. Hayden Kerr slowed the Hurricanes in the fourth over, and Jafer Chohan struck soon after.
Chohan, playing only his third BBL game, bowled bravely. He tricked Owen into mis-hitting a ball to deep midwicket. Then, Edwards pulled off an incredible catch to dismiss Wade. Diving high at backward point, he caught a ball hit like a rocket with one hand.
Chohan took another wicket but ended his spell with a six from Tim David. He finished with 2 for 28, but the Sixersโ bowlers struggled to control runs in the final overs.